What Can Maple Leafs Fans Expect From Matthews This Season?

The Toronto Maple Leafs enter the 2025-26 season with a new look, but also many unanswered questions. After Mitch Marner moved to the Vegas Golden Knights, the front office did well to retool the roster with depth. That said, one huge question remains. Can Auston Matthews bounce back from an injury-riddled year and return to the form that once made him the NHL’s most feared scorer?

Matthews Is Coming off a Frustrating Season

Matthews, now 27 and in the second season of his four-year, $13.25 million contract, is coming off a frustrating campaign. Injuries hampered him throughout 2024-25, and his production dipped from 69 goals two years ago to 33 last season. Even so, he still put up 78 points in 67 games—elite numbers by most standards. In the playoffs, he added 11 points in 13 games while playing outstanding defense, even if fans were disappointed he didn’t take over games the way Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl often do.

Critics pointed to his quieter moments in elimination games, but dismissing his overall impact would be unfair. Matthews’ two-way play has become one of his greatest strengths, and when healthy, he remains among the NHL’s best all-around forwards. His commitment on both sides of the puck gives the Maple Leafs a foundation few teams can match.

Matthews Says He’s Completely Healthy

Heading into this season, Matthews insists he is fully healthy and ready to return to form. Without Marner, his linemates could shift. Matthew Knies is expected to assume a more significant role. While newcomer Matias Maccelli may see some time on his wing. Regardless of who plays beside him, Matthews will once again be Toronto’s go-to scorer and centerpiece.

Statistically, expectations should be high but realistic. A full rebound to 69 goals may be a stretch, but 50 goals and around 90–100 points seems attainable if he stays healthy. Early chemistry adjustments with new linemates may slow him out of the gate, but over the course of the season, his scoring touch should shine through.