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Video surfaces of Auston Matthews running over assistant coach Derek Lalonde at practice


PUBLICATION
Nicholas Petrakis
December 3, 2025  (8:28)
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A coach has been over at Leafs practice for the second time this week, this time finding Auston Matthews accidentally steamrolling assistant coach Derek Lalonde.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are coming off of a hard-fought 4-1 victory against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night, improving their record to 12-11-3 as they slowly climb out of the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
While most clashes between the Maple Leafs and Panthers are physical, one player not usually known for throwing big hits is Auston Matthews.
However, Matthews inadvertently showed that he has the ability to throw his weight around on Monday during practice, delivering a monstrous hit -- not on a teammate, but on assistant coach Derek Lalonde during a breakout drill.

Lalonde rocked by Matthews during practice

Although Lalonde initially looked shocked, he quickly got back up and appeared to be fine, taking the hit in good spirits.
The way Lalonde flew from the hit suggests that Matthews should maybe throw a few more hits on the ice, as it's clear he has the size and strength to play with a little more snarl.
There was actually another close call during the same practice, as defender Jake McCabe collided with Craig Berube during a different drill. Fortunately, there were no injuries on the play.

Maple Leafs avoid injury on the miss-play

Thankfully, Lalonde and Berube were both unharmed, as were Matthews and McCabe. Toronto is still without Brandon Carlo, Chris Tanev, and starting goalie Anthony Stolarz, all of whom appear to be some time away from returning.
The two incidents involving players running into their coaches indicates that the pace of these practices are high, and the competitive spirit higher.
The Leafs have now won back-to-back games and are looking to continue that momentum as they close out their road trip in Carolina on Thursday before returning home for a Saturday night clash with the Canadiens.
Previously on Toronto Hockey Daily
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Former NHL head coach admits that he'd be willing to accept an assistant role with Leafs
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POLL
DECEMBRE 3   |   431 ANSWERS
Video surfaces of Auston Matthews running over assistant coach Derek Lalonde at practice

Should Auston Matthews throw the body more?

Yes, he's built for it25960.1 %
No, focus on scoring goals15936.9 %
I'm not sure133 %
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