August 28, 2025

The Toronto Maple Leafs are stepping into the 2025–26 NHL season with big questions hovering around their star captain, Auston Matthews. After battling injuries last year, Matthews scored 33 goals, but many say it wasn’t enough. The media is now louder than ever in their criticism, and his place among hockey’s biggest stars is being challenged. This season could change everything for him and for the Leafs’ dream of finally winning the Stanley Cup. Why Auston Matthews is under the spotlight? Matthews recently dropped to seventh place on the NHL Network’s list of top centers. This sparked heated talk among former players and experts. They wondered if his performance and leadership still match those who shine in the playoffs. On TSN’s OverDrive, analyst Dave Feschuk said, “Sometimes he gives you the idea he isn’t concerned or he’ll do his thing. But his thing being 33 goals, and only four goals in 18 playoff games; that’s why he is 7th.” Ouch! Is the media being too hard on Matthews? Comparisons with superstars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl add even more pressure. Critics say Matthews lacks big playoff moments — and Toronto’s tough history of missing out on championships doesn’t help fans be patient. The questions are tough: Can he step up when it truly counts? Can coach Craig Berube bring out the best in Matthews? Inside the team, Matthews remains a respected leader. His teammates admire his calm, leading by example rather than flashy moves. New head coach Craig Berube trusts Matthews’ cool head and wants him to grow into a stronger, all-around player who can defend well too. If Matthews stays healthy this season, Berube’s plan might just rewrite the story about the Leafs’ captain. The Leafs’ season opener is just around the corner, and the pressure is sky-high. For Matthews, this isn’t just about scoring goals during the regular games but about proving he can lead Toronto to victory in the most critical moments. The biggest question remains: Can Auston Matthews finally break the Stanley Cup curse and take the Leafs beyond where many stars before him have failed?

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Tags: Auston matthews, Toronto maple leafs, Nhl, Stanley cup, Craig berube,