Criticism of Leafs' Auston Matthews Completely Shut Down By Emerging Star
A rising star has completely shut down any criticism over Auston Matthews as both a leader and a player following a less than ideal showing in 2024-25.
It's been just over a year since Auston Matthews was named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, replacing John Tavares. There has been plenty of criticism of that decision to go around, but one of the team's breakthrough talents is advising critics to cool their jets.
While speaking with the Leafs Morning Take podcast this week, Matthew Knies talked about how he's grown close with Auston Matthews over the past year, adding being teammates and linemates with a childhood hero is a dream come true.
Matthew Knies Silences Critics While Discussing Auston Matthews' Captaincy of the Maple Leafs
Knies was clear during the podcast that Matthews' it went further than him just admiring a fellow player. He stated he has learned plenty from Matthews since entering the NHL, and the learning never stops.
"He's a great example on and off the ice. He's a true professional. I think the thing I admire most is just how much time he takes on his craft. Whether it's his little shooting things before practice or after practice. He's one of those guys that's always out there the longest."
Auston Matthews Praised for his Leadership by Maple Leafs Emerging Star
Knies said Matthews is someone everyone on the team wants to follow and play behind. That is the ultimate sign that someone is viewed as a great leader.
Both Knies and Matthews have something to prove in the 2025-26 NHL season, with Knies wanting to show he's not a one-season wonder, and Matthews attempting to silence those who said making him captain was a mistake. Keeping them together this season should make for some interesting results.
| POLL | ||
7 HOURS AGO | 148 ANSWERS Criticism of Leafs' Auston Matthews Completely Shut Down By Emerging Star Is Auston Matthews the right person to captain the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
TRENDING NOW
