Auston Matthews Healthy; Wants to Prove Everyone Wrong

“The last couple years have been tough,” Matthews said in the interview. “I haven’t really felt super healthy… especially how last year ended. For myself, I’m extremely motivated going into this year to get back to the level that I know I can be at. I’m really excited to be able to show that.

“There’s always a positive that you can take out of adversity, negative moments and I feel like coming back here now, probably the best I’ve felt in a long time which is great. I’m really excited to get going here.”

Matthews being upfront and honest about his health is something that everyone has wanted clarity on. From the media, to the fans, if something was going on, everyone wanted to know the extent or how severe his injuries were because of his importance to the team. The fact that he’s now 100% healthy, shows that he could be poised for a major bounce back season. 

There was a turning point where it looked like it would happen, but Matthews now has a clean slate ahead of him to do so.

Prove Them Wrong, Prove Ourselves Right

Last season, nothing went right, for Matthews or for the team, as they missed out on the playoffs for the first time since he entered the league. Needless to say, he took that personally and stated that in the interview with Leslie. 

“It’s tough when you’re losing here in a place that’s so passionate about their team and passionate about winning games and accomplishing something great in the spring,” Matthews said.

“It definitely took a toll on a lot of guys… there’s a lot of things that you can take away from it and a lot of things that you can and move forward.”

Matthews mentioned that everyone, even management, are all on the same page with how everything should be operated and executed. Even during the offseason when there was a major overhaul from the front office to the ice, general manager John Chayka said that it was Matthews that was getting them to buy in to what’s best for the team. 

With the number of changes that unfolded and new faces brought in– including the first overall pick in Gavin McKenna– Matthews is motivated to lead the team and block out all of the negativity that surrounded them to show that last season was a one off.

“There’s a lot of excitement to go in this year and prove a lot of people wrong, but also prove ourselves right and have the confidence that we’re a good team and that we can come together and do something special.”

With camps already starting, Matthews is going in with the demeanour and mindset that this will be a big season. He said what everyone wanted to hear, but now it’s time to execute and show it.