Maple Leafs' season could become Connor McDavid audition if new Toronto theory proves right

Michael Augello relayed a theory that Connor McDavid wants Toronto, turning the Leafs' next two seasons into something bigger than a playoff push. McDavid to Toronto rumours haven't necessarily slowed down despite the former committing to Edmonton and with reports regarding a potential seven-year extension for the Oilers captain - it seems like it's more speculation than anything. Though that may not be the case if you were to believe Michael Augelio. Toronto has to prove McDavid would be joining a contender, not rescuing another flawed roster The Off The Post Radio co-host and Buffalo Sabres beat reporter revealed that in a conversation with an unnamed reporter that the floated theory around the press is that McDavid has a desire to play in Toronto and a good season could certainly help influence his decision: I was told by another reporter, that's just his theory & I won't share his name, but you know talking in the press box about McDavid and he said 'McDavid wants to play in Toronto, it's just the question what type of team the Leafs are.' If the Leafs are good, their chances of getting McDavid are good because I think he would want to play in Toronto if they pay him. If they are not good, there's not a chance. Now we must be transparent and say this is purely a theorybased on media chatter, but it still puts a new report into the ether. If the Maple Leafs prove that last year was a fluke and have the right personnel to make that push - but are missing that final piece - then McDavid might feel like he's the one who can put them over the top. That means starting off the season hot, keeping the pressure on their Atlantic rivals, and ensure that their investments this summer were worth the prices paid for them. If we get to February and the Maple Leafs are still fighting then it's less likely McDavid will head home. A failed Leafs reset would weaken the strongest argument Toronto could make to McDavid That bad season doesn't necessarily need to have a complete collapse, but if certain pieces aren't pulling their weight or unable to perform as expected - it could be a rough year. If Sergei Bobrovsky isn't the answer in net, and Anthony Stolarz can't keep healthy then it's an even worse position than McDavid has in Edmonton with their goalie situation. And if he sees that these new pieces aren't working out then he has to wonder which new group of faces are going to be coming in to try and sort things out. McDavid's contract is also up at the same time as Auston Matthews' and as we know, most of the team isn't signed long-term so he'll also be monitoring how they handle that contract situation. Also, if Morgan Rielly can't come back to form, and Darren Raddysh is unable to replicate his breakout 70-point season last year then McDavid won't have the luxuries he has with the Oilers - as Evan Bouchard is an elite offensive defender. So while McDavid to Toronto is simply speculation, if the Maple Leafs end up putting together a winning season with a strong postseason push - he could very well contemplate where he wants to play in 2028. Also read on Hockey Patrol : Bruins just gave Fraser Minten $50.4M after Maple Leafs already moved on from Brandon Carlo