Who's at fault for Auston Matthews's lack of production?

"It has been no secret that Auston Matthews has struggled over the past year and a half. His goal production has dipped, and his metrics show he is declining. This year, with the Maple Leafs, Matthews has 13 goals in 26 games, a number that is good but not elite. Auston Matthews has improved on the defensive side of the puck, a game Craig Berube wants Matthews to play, but until he can carry the offence, those numbers won't change."

"Auston Matthews was known for the better part of the late 2010s to early 2020s as the best goal scorer in the NHL. He produced over 60 goals twice, including a 69-goal season back in 2023-24. In just over 655 career NHL games, the Arizona native has scored 414 goals, a number that shows he is on pace to be one of the greatest goal scorers of all time. But with the declining numbers, can he keep on that pace and reach NHL legendary status?"

"He scored at a lower rate, and the shot seemed less dangerous. At the end of the season, Matthews admitted to struggling with injury over the course of the season. At the start of training camp, Matthews believed he was 100% healthy and ready to be the player he used to be. Expectations were high, but never reached. It is evident that Matthews hasn't been the same player; he seemingly lost the ability to take over games."

Auston Matthews experienced a noticeable drop in goal production over the past 18 months, registering 13 goals in 26 games this season — respectable but not elite. Matthews once led the league in goal scoring, twice exceeding 60 goals and posting a 69-goal campaign in 2023-24, reaching 414 goals through just over 655 games. Injuries have contributed to reduced shot danger and scoring rate, with a specific incident during travel to Germany affecting form. Defensive play has improved under Craig Berube's system, but offensive consistency remains lacking. Projections still place Matthews on a path to become the greatest Maple Leaf and among top goal scorers all-time.

Read at Editor In Leaf