Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs had a very disappointing season. Now, Maple Leafs legend Doug Gilmour has shared some honest thoughts about the team’s captain and how he believes Matthews should handle the pressure of playing in Toronto.
For the first time since his debut season in 2016–17, Auston Matthews did not finish above a point-per-game pace. Before being injured by Anaheim Ducks captain Radko Gudas in March, Matthews had recorded 53 points in 60 games.
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Auston Matthews injury
The Maple Leafs also missed the playoffs for the first time since Matthews’ arrival. The team will finish in 15th place in the Eastern Conference. In a season without many bright spots, the Leafs will now look ahead to a high draft pick in the summer. Many insiders and fans have speculated that there will be significant changes within the organization in the offseason. On March 30, the team parted ways with general manager Brad Treliving.
There have also been rumors surrounding Auston Matthews, who is signed through the 2027–28 season.
Doug Gilmour’s honest words
Appearing on the Prime Monday Night Hockey broadcast on Monday, Maple Leafs legend Doug Gilmour shared his thoughts on Matthews’ dip in form, his current injury, and what it’s like to play in Toronto.
“The biggest thing when you come in here is the pressure that’s on you. Absorb it. Take it all in. Just go out and play. I spoke to Auston after he got hurt—just get ready for next year. You go through injuries and everything else. He wants to get back to where he once was. He’s a skilled guy; he can get 40 to 50 goals again, no problem,” Gilmour said during the broadcast.
You can watch the interview below.
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