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Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Reflects on Toronto’s Off-Season of Change
Matthews said the Leafs’ new additions fit well and that his future remains under his control with two years left on his contract.
On Wednesday, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews addressed the media as training camp opened, expressing optimism about the roster overhaul and managerial changes led by new general manager John Chayka.
The Original Six franchise enters the season following a difficult 2025-26 campaign where they finished last in the Atlantic Division and missed the playoffs, prompting significant personnel shifts.
Chayka bolstered the roster with new additions including two-time Stanley Cup winner Sergei Bobrovsky, Darren Raddysh, and Nick Paul; Matthews praised the "great mixture" of energy these players bring to the locker room.
Recovering from surgery to repair a knee injury sustained in a collision with Radko Gudas last season, the star centre aims to move forward, emphasizing that everyone now shares a common goal and vision.
The team prepares for their regular season opener on September 29 against the Montreal Canadiens, as the American captain remains focused on the organization's future following the recent 19-week organizational sprint.
Auston Matthews wanted to take his time. The Maple Leafs just had their worst season in 10 years – and the worst of his career – and there were changes on the horizon.