Craig Berube Identifies Major Difference In Auston Matthews' Game This Year

All summer, the concerns surrounding Leafs captain Matthews were not about what he would do without Mitch Marner, but rather about whether or not he can remain healthy this season.

Matthews admitted that he was hurt from the time training camp started to the end of the season last year, but has yet to reveal the specifics of the injury.

Ultimately, it forced Matthews to miss some significant time, and even forced him to take a trip to Germany for treatment. It also led to the lowest goal output of his career with 33 goals in 67 games.

The 28-year-old declared himself healthy at the beginning of September with Berube confirming that he looked much better ahead of the start of training camp.

After a couple of days of on-ice sessions, Berube noted one major difference in his captain's play compared to last year.

As Leafs Nation is hopeful that the 2023-24 version of Matthews returns this year and that he can put the 2024-25 version behind him. Thus far, the former first-overall pick is elated with how he has felt early in camp.

So far, so good for the three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, and it is clear that whatever was bothering him last season is no longer an issue. However, he will have to work with the Leafs diligently this season to manage his workload with a condensed schedule and a return to the Olympics on the docket.