Auston Matthews arrived at Maple Leafs camp with a repaired left knee, a fresh management group and a clear message about his place in Toronto: the captain is healthy, energized and ready to lead a reset after the club missed the playoffs last season.
Maple Leafs Notebook: Matthews cleared for a new start
Matthews said he is fully recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2025-26 season on March 12. The Toronto captain suffered a knee-on-knee collision with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas and underwent surgery one week later, on March 19, to address a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion in his left leg.
The 28-year-old center has spent several weeks skating in Toronto ahead of the new campaign and said he is feeling as good as possible after a difficult year.
New general manager John Chayka said Matthews has been cleared to go at full speed. Chayka credited the forward’s work with rehabilitation specialists and trainers, adding that Matthews has looked sharp physically while also bringing an upbeat presence into the room.
That represents a different tone from the closing days of last season. Toronto failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since Matthews entered the League in 2016-17, and the organization was in transition. Brad Treliving was dismissed as general manager before the season ended, while coach Craig Berube’s status was uncertain before he was later fired.
At the time, Matthews declined to make predictions about his long-term future with the club. He said Wednesday that his intention had always been to remain in Toronto, but he wanted to see the organization’s new direction and maintain open communication with the people brought in to run it.
“I’m here with John now, and I like what he has done over the summer,” Matthews said. “There have been good changes, good people brought in, good players and outside additions. It has been really positive meeting everyone. There is strong energy around the rink.”
A rebuilt front office and roster
Chayka’s arrival has been accompanied by major changes around the Maple Leafs. Mats Sundin, one of the defining players in franchise history, joined the club as senior executive advisor. Jim Hiller, previously a Toronto assistant from 2015 through 2019, took over behind the bench after Berube’s dismissal.
Toronto also landed the first overall selection in the 2026 NHL Draft after winning the Draft Lottery, using the pick on Penn State forward Gavin McKenna.
On the roster, the Maple Leafs added defenseman Darren Raddysh and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Bobrovsky comes to Toronto as a two-time Stanley Cup winner with the Florida Panthers, giving the club a proven veteran in the crease.
Matthews said the turnover has brought back excitement after the frustration of last season.
“My expectations are always high, and I hold myself to a very high standard,” Matthews said. “Last year was frustrating, obviously, but it is a new season. There has been time to reflect. There are new teammates and new people throughout the organization, and that kind of change can bring energy when you come to the rink.”
Matthews looking for his scoring standard
The captain enters the season aiming to restore the scoring pace that made him one of hockey’s most feared finishers. Matthews scored an NHL career-best 69 goals in 81 games in 2023-24, then slipped to 33 goals in 67 games in 2024-25 and 27 in 60 games last season.
From 2019-20 through 2023-24, Matthews topped 40 goals in every season. A healthy return after his knee surgery gives Toronto its best chance of seeing that production again.
Roslovic expected alongside Matthews
One early storyline at camp is the expected reunion of Matthews and Jack Roslovic. Roslovic signed a two-year deal with Toronto as an unrestricted free agent on July 1 after producing 21 goals and 15 assists in 69 games for the Edmonton Oilers last season.
The two forwards were teammates with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program’s under-18 squad in 2014-15 and are expected to open the season on the same line. They have already spent time skating together in Toronto.
Matthews said he has remained close with Roslovic over the years and is looking forward to sharing a locker room and line again. He described Roslovic as a lively, talkative teammate whose personality should fit well in the group.
“We have stayed in touch and remained close,” Matthews said. “He is fun to be around and always has something to say. That is good in a dressing room. We have been skating together for a couple of weeks, so hopefully we can get comfortable quickly once the season begins.”
Contract talk can wait
Matthews has two years remaining on the four-year contract he signed Aug. 23, 2023. He can sign another deal with Toronto beginning July 1, 2027, a date that has already fueled plenty of outside discussion about his future.
Chayka urged fans to focus on what Matthews can provide now rather than looking ahead to negotiations that remain nearly a year away.
“Enjoy watching him,” Chayka said. “There is always conversation about contract status, but it is a privilege to work with a player like him and watch what he does on and off the ice. We are excited to be alongside him as we chase what this team wants to accomplish.”
For Matthews, the immediate task is simpler: stay healthy, drive the offense and help turn a summer of organizational change into a playoff return in Toronto.
