Maple Leafs Coach Shares Revealing Message on Auston Matthews' Health Before Training Camp

“My health is good,” Matthews said. “I feel a lot better. I think I took really good steps this offseason as far as that goes, and so I’m really happy with that progress and happy with where I’m at.”

Berube, who is beginning his second season as Leafs head coach and hadn't discussed anything about Matthews' health entering the season, finally addressed it this week.

The head coach echoed that outlook after seeing Matthews during the offseason, providing an update during an interview with The Athletic's Jonas Siegel.

“I saw him here in Toronto a couple times,” Berube said. “He does look very good. I think he’s stronger this year; he’s put a little weight on. I think he talked about maybe he thought he was a little too lean last year. And he’s feeling a lot better than he has, which is a very good sign.”

Matthews finished with 33 goals and 78 points in 67 games last year, still strong numbers but well below his 69-goal output in 2023–24 when he played 81 regular-season games.

His health, however, was a factor in Toronto’s second-round playoff exit against the Florida Panthers, where both he and Mitch Marner struggled offensively and couldn't get past the back-to-back champions.

The task will be greater this year without Marner, who was moved in a sign-and-trade deal with Vegas in July, with Matthews acknowledging the change and upcoming challenge in August.

“We’ll obviously miss him. He’s a great friend, great teammate,” Matthews said. “That’s kind of the business side of it. That’s tough, but obviously I wish him nothing but the best, and yeah, we’ll just keep it moving.”