Maple Leafs' season hinges on return to dominance of franchise player

"After an injury-riddled 2024-25 campaign, which saw him post a career low in goals, Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for a return to form. In a down year, the team's star center battled through inconsistency and setbacks while struggling to find his usual productive, goal-scoring touch. The Leafs' captain admitted it was a tough year physically during his postseason media availability after Toronto's elimination by the Florida Panthers in a second-round Stanley Cup playoff series."

"Upon arrival at this year's training camp, the Maple Leafs' franchise player declared his health was "good." Unlike last season, when Matthews' injury woes started early in camp, he was unencumbered through the preseason. That is great news for the Leafs. After dismantling the "Core Four" and saying goodbye to Matthews' long-time right winger, Mitch Marner, the team's success hinges on a return to dominance by the three-time Rocket Richard winner."

"Matthews' first season as the Maple Leafs captain was memorable for the wrong reasons. He was slowed during training camp and the preseason by injury. The mysterious ailment later caused him to miss most of November and had him looking for alternative treatment in Germany. The dominant stretches that were so prevalent throughout his other eight NHL seasons were fewer. In total, Matthews missed fifteen games, scoring only 33 goals, a career low."

Auston Matthews endured an injury-marred 2024-25 season that produced a career-low 33 goals and fifteen missed games. He experienced a mysterious ailment that required alternative treatment in Germany and reduced his dominant stretches compared with prior seasons. Matthews' shooting percentage fell to 12.6, his shots per game dropped to 3.9, and his advanced metrics, including CF% and xGF, reached multi-year lows. Postseason production was limited. Upon arrival at the following training camp he declared his health 'good' and entered preseason unencumbered. Toronto's success now depends on his return to goal-scoring dominance after roster changes.

Read at Editor In Leaf