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Mitch Marner Reacts to Auston Matthews' Historic News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 8:24 AM ET

Auston Matthews made history Saturday night by becoming the Toronto Maple Leafs’ all-time leading goal scorer.

The 28-year-old center scored twice in the second period against the New York Islanders, notching the 420th and 421st goals of his ten-year career.

Both goals came at even strength and pushed Matthews past Hockey Hall of Famer Mats Sundin for the franchise record.

Matthews' first goal came on a solo rush after collecting a loose puck at center ice. He beat Islanders goalie David Rittich and tied the game at 1–1 midway through the second period.

Later in the period, Matthews fired a one-timer off a cross-ice pass from Bobby McMann to claim the top spot with his second goal of the night and 421st overall in just 664 NHL games.

Although the Leafs went on to lose 4–3 in overtime, the milestone didn’t go unnoticed around the hockey world.

Mats Sundin, who had held the record since 2007, congratulated Matthews in a video message from Sweden.

“Auston, congratulations on becoming the all-time goalscoring leader in Maple Leafs history,” Sundin said. “What a treat for all Maple Leafs fans around the world to have a player like yourself representing the Toronto Maple Leafs. And even more importantly, you’re a great person and a great leader for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Congrats, from Stockholm, Sweden!”

Auston Matthews: Toronto Maple Leafs All-Time Goals Leader pic.twitter.com/LrsWzBq1jU
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 4, 2026

More interestingly, former Maple Leafs teammate and current Vegas Golden Knights winger Mitch Marner also reacted on social media, posting a story on his Instagram account.

“Congrats brother!! @austonmatthews Animal! ” Marner wrote on Instagram.

Matthews now ranks fifth on the Leafs' all-time points list with 760 and continues to pace Toronto in goals this season with 20 in 35 games.

Toronto will return to action on Tuesday when it hosts the reigning champion Florida Panthers at 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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