How the Ice Will Look Different for Auston Matthews

This isn’t breaking news: Auston Matthews is the Toronto Maple Leafs’ heartbeat. But with Mitch Marner no longer gliding down the wing beside him, the ice looks a little different this year. Matthews isn’t just skating into a new season—he’s stepping into a bigger spotlight, one where every pass, every shot, and every shift carries just a little bit of extra weight.

Matthews Will Have More Responsibility, But Will He Have More Space?

Last season Matthews battled injuries and played only 67 games. The result was a dip in scoring, a 36-goal drop from the year before, and a spotlight on his two-way play and leadership. He wasn’t just putting the puck in the net—he was mentoring, anchoring defensive zones, and keeping the team steady in high-pressure moments. That version of Matthews earned trust but didn’t light up the scoreboard the way fans are used to.

This season, the ice opens up differently. Without Marner’s playmaking presence, Matthews may find more room to shoot and create. He’ll be called upon to generate offense more consistently, to carry the puck through the neutral zone, and to lead a line where goals are now even more precious. The Maple Leafs need Matthews to score—and to show the kind of offensive fireworks that remind everyone why he’s in the conversation for the league’s best.

Expect Matthews to Show Leadership on Every Shift

Matthews isn’t just there to put the puck in the net—he’s the guy everyone looks to in the locker room. With younger players like Knies and Nylander stepping up, all eyes will be on how Matthews handles the extra pressure. Can he keep scoring while also keeping the team steady? How he does both could set the tone for the whole season.