It’s all about Auston Matthews at Leafs Media Day

There are plenty of exciting storylines to cover about this year’s Maple Leafs team, but Matthews demands immediacy. There are two years left on his existing contract, and though Matthews has given every public indication that he wants to remain a lifelong Leafs, there are battle scars left behind by friends of yesteryear. In a market that plays pop psychology with every passing shift, Wednesday’s Media Day also served as an opportunity to determine if Matthews’ mind is wandering, perhaps with his eyes and ears trained to the demands of his national team comrades. Matthews passed this litmus test with flying colours.

“My intent was always to be here,” Matthews said. “I think with the way things finished last year, general manager fired, before the season ends, there’s a lot of incoming change that you never really know who’s coming in, what their plan is, what they think. And I think for myself, it was just to take a step back and see what happens, and have the lines of communication open with whoever was hired. Obviously, with John (Chayka) here now, I really like what he’s done this summer. I think he’s made some great changes, brought in some great people, some great players, some great outside hires as well. And it’s been great so far meeting everybody. It’s been super positive, great energy at the rink.”

Excitement is a key component here, which may be under-appreciated. Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr famously spoke about the importance of playing with joy during his team’s dynastic run, and this simple concept can be applied here. Last season was a largely joyless exercise for all parties involved, with the writing on the wall for now-departed head coach Craig Berube and general manager Brad Treliving. Matthews’ season ended under the worst possible circumstances, a crushing knee-on-knee hit from Radko Gudas that his teammates scarcely responded to. He doesn’t hold any resentment towards the previous group, and is taking ownership of what lies ahead for the Maple Leafs. And perhaps a coaching change will do Matthews a world of good, as well.

“I don’t think we’ve really gotten into tactical stuff, yet,” Matthews said, when asked what he appreciates about Jim Hiller’s communication and tactical vision. “But there was obviously some familiarity there between myself, John (Tavares), some other guys that had him here when he was an assistant. But it’s pretty evident so far. Just the communication’s been great. I think he’s been around talking to guys, getting to learn new people, meeting people. And in my experience with Jim, he’s extremely personable, good at talking, communicating with the players. And I think that’s a very important part of this job.”

Matthews entered media day with a sense of poise and natural confidence. Flanked by McKenna and Tavares at the podium inside the theatre at the Ford Performance Centre, it’s readily apparent that Matthews is still in the prime of his career, as a decade under the brightest lights in the NHL have flown by quicker than anyone imagined. It was all about Auston Matthews at Leafs Media Day, setting the stage for what ought to be a resurgent campaign from the 28-year-old (Matthews turns 29 on Thursday!) and the team overall.

“He’s full-g0, 100 percent. Physically, he looks great,” Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka said of Matthews. “More importantly, I’m sure you guys see it the same way I do. He’s smiling, he’s having fun, he’s engaging with his teammates, and being the great leader that he is. My message to the fans is just enjoy it. I know there’s a lot of talk about him and his contract status and things like that. One day, he won’t be a Toronto Maple Leaf. Hopefully that ends with retirement.”

It’s a new-look Maple Leafs team, with tremendous excitement surrounding McKenna, Sergei Bobrovsky, Darren Raddysh and the rest of the team’s new additions. Matthews’ return to form and maturity as a leader are key qualities that everyone in the market will be looking for, with the season opener against the detested Montreal Canadiens 13 days away. With a number of storylines to cover at Media Day, it was always going to be about Auston Matthews, and he looks more poised than ever, as the Leafs also embark on a new chapter with their captain leading the charge.