BRAMPTON, Ont. — So, what’s the deal with Auston Matthews' scoring and his health heading into the new season? It’s the question on every Maple Leafs fan’s mind. When asked point-blank about his health, Matthews just smiled and said he felt "good".
He was at the annual 'Hockey Night In Brampton' event, where he captained one of the teams at the CAA Centre. Along with teammate Chris Tanev, he helped raise a record-breaking $50 million for the William Osler Health System to help build the city’s second hospital. But what everyone really wants to know is, can he get back to that 60-goal level?
Is Auston Matthews’ Health Still a Concern?
Last season was rough. Matthews missed 15 games in two separate stretches due to an upper-body injury he picked up at training camp. He sat out nine straight games in November, then another six in late December. During that first stint, he even traveled to Germany to get the issue sorted out.
At the end of the season, Matthews admitted the injury “impacted a lot of different things” when it came to his performance. But he was clear that surgery wasn’t needed in the offseason. The big hope is that this time off has him ready to go.
The Marner Factor & New Faces
With Mitch Marner now playing for the Vegas Golden Knights, it’s going to be a different kind of challenge for Matthews to hit those blistering offensive clips. (For more on Marner's departure, check out this article on the Marner trade and how the Leafs will try to replace him. He might not have that familiar chemistry, but the Leafs are bringing in new help.
Matthews seems excited about the changes the team made over the summer. They added guys like Matias Maccelli, Nicolas Roy, and Dakota Joshua. (You can get the full rundown on the new guys here):
“Guys are going to have to take some steps, but I think that's a good thing, a good problem to have,” Matthews said.
He’s not shying away from the new reality. “Really looking forward to it,” he added, which is probably what every fan wants to hear.
Quick FAQ Summary:
Q: Did Auston Matthews need surgery for his injury?
A: No, Matthews stated that surgery was not required in the offseason.
Q: How many games did Matthews miss last season?
A: He missed 15 games in total, over two separate stints with the same issue.
Q: Who are the new players that can help with Auston Matthews' scoring?
A: Matthews mentioned that new forwards like Matias Maccelli, Nicolas Roy, and Dakota Joshua will help fill the offensive void.
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