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Craig Button reveals inconvenient truth about Auston Matthews & William Nylander


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Alexander Cole
January 27, 2026  (4:05 PM)
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Jan 12, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates his goal with defenseman Morgan Rielly (44),right wing William Nylander (88), and defenseman Brandon Carlo (25) in the third period against the Colorado Avalanche at Ball Arena.
Photo credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

NHL analyst Craig Button offered a harsh perspective on the Toronto Maple Leafs and what the team needs to do with its biggest superstars.

If you have been following the Toronto Maple Leafs this season, you know that the team has not been particularly good so far.
There are about 30 games left, and the Leafs still aren't in a playoff spot. This is a disaster, and if they can't beat the Buffalo Sabres tonight, they are in trouble.
Having said that, there are now conversations being had about what the Maple Leafs need to do next, and if some kind of rebuild will have to take place.
At the end of the day, this would be a horrific situation for the Leafs to have to go through, but according to Craig Button, it might be time.

Craig Button with a warning for the Toronto Maple Leafs

While speaking to Frank Seravalli, Button noted that the core players like William Nylander, Auston Matthews, and even Morgan Rielly haven't won anything.
All of these guys have no-move clauses and are making too much money. In his view, the Leafs need to seriously evaluate whether or not they should just move on entirely.
While this probably freaks some fans out, it is important to remember that this is what happens when you lack playoff success.
The house of cards had to come tumbling down eventually, and that is exactly what we are seeing right now, much to the chagrin of the fanbase.
If the Leafs somehow make the postseason, then we will certainly see a massive reversal in terms of these recent hot takes.
Until then, the Leafs will have to really take some time to evaluate what is next for this franchise, and the players within it.
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Craig Button reveals inconvenient truth about Auston Matthews & William Nylander

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