Auston Matthews Shares His Thoughts on Maple Leafs' Roster Heading into the 2025-26 Season
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro Imagn Images
Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews spoke to the media on Wednesday, sharing his thoughts on Brad Treliving's many summer acquisitions.
Leafs superstar Auston Matthews returned to Toronto ahead of Wednesday's charity event to take part in Hockey Night in Brampton, to raise money for a new hospital.
Prior to taking the ice, the three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner discussed the departure of Mitch Marner, as well as his own health status. After confirming that he's finally healthy, the 27-year-old was also asked about the moves Brad Treliving made in an attempt to replace his long-time teammate.
Auston Matthews Gives Glowing Review of Brad Treliving's Off-Season Acquisitions
Focused on next season, Matthews emphasized that returning players, like Matthew Knies, will have to continue to take steps forward to help off-set the loss of Marner and help the club remain at the top of the Atlantic Division. He also expressed his excitement for the players that the Leafs have brought in.
"Feeling good (about next season). A lot of changes, but excited about the guys we brought in, excited about the guys that we have. I know we have a great team and great group of guys in the locker room. Looking forward to getting started. Guys are going to have to take some steps, but I think that's a good thing, a good problem to have. We had a lot of changes, but I don't think the mindset really changes. You have to be focused, have to be willing to do whatever it takes to win. It's a hard league to win in. For us, it's not getting too far ahead of ourselves, staying in the moment."
Entering his second year as captain, Matthews knows he will have to shoulder more of the load offensively without Marner and should bounce back after an injury-filled 2024-25 season.
He will also have to depend more on the likes of Matthew Knies, William Nylander, John Tavares and new additions Matias Maccelli, Dakota Joshua and Nicolas Roy to propel the Leafs back into the playoffs and onto a (hopefully) deep post-season run.
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AOUT 22 | 1406 ANSWERS Auston Matthews Shares His Thoughts on Maple Leafs' Roster Heading into the 2025-26 Season Are the Leafs going to have a better season than Vegas? | ||
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| No | 432 | 30.7 % |
| About the same | 217 | 15.4 % |
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