Auston Matthews is slowly but surely returning to his elite form following a month-long absence due to an upper-body injury. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain was sidelined for nearly a month, but after a few games back, fans are beginning to see the player who led the NHL in goals last season.
Auston Matthews: Leafs Star Rebuilding Momentum After Injury
Matthews made his return to the ice with a bang on Monday, scoring his sixth goal of the season in the Leafs’ convincing 4-1 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. Although the superstar forward is still regaining his rhythm, his performance provided a promising glimpse of what’s to come.
“I’m just trying to feel better each game,” Matthews said after the victory. “Getting my legs back, my lungs back, and getting back into game shape.”
The 27-year-old forward, who scored a career-high 69 goals last season, wasn’t quite himself when the 2024-2025 season began. His early-season struggles were compounded by the injury, which kept him out since November 3rd. He even traveled to Germany to see a specialist during the team’s light schedule, hoping to expedite his recovery.
But now, with a few games under his belt, Matthews is showing signs of his usual dominance. In Monday’s game, he registered three shots and added three hits in just under 20 minutes of play. Leafs head coach Craig Berube acknowledged that Matthews still needs time to regain his peak performance but expressed confidence that he will get there soon.
“It’s going to take a little time, with practice being tough with the schedule, but he’s working at it. I have no doubts he’ll be fine,” Berube said.
John Tavares, Matthews’ longtime teammate, praised his captain’s natural talent and leadership, pointing to his first goal since his return:
“He’s an elite player, one of the best in the world,” said Tavares. “That goal was a great example of his hands, and he’ll only continue to improve.”
While Matthews is still finding his way back to full form, his presence on the ice is felt by everyone. Goaltender Anthony Stolarz highlighted Matthews’ two-way impact, noting his strong defensive positioning and offensive threat, even when not playing at 100%.
“Even when he’s not at his best, you can rely on him being in the right spot on the ice,” Stolarz said.
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The Leafs are also benefiting from the steady play of rookie Fraser Minten, who has made a seamless transition into the lineup. Minten, who has been productive since returning from an ankle injury, has been a key contributor with two goals and two assists in his first five games. Matthews has taken notice of Minten’s smart play and leadership.
“Minten is a cerebral player, adapting to situations as they come. His consistency and maturity stand out,” Matthews said.
Meanwhile, the Leafs’ goaltending duo of Stolarz and Joseph Woll continues to shine. Both have posted strong numbers this season, with Stolarz improving to 8-4-2 with a .924 save percentage and a 2.23 goals-against average, while Woll holds a 6-2-0 record with a .923 save percentage.
“They’re a great tandem, and their relationship is key for the team,” Berube said of his goalies. “That camaraderie really helps everyone in the room.”
As Matthews continues to recover and regain his form, the Maple Leafs will look to build on their strong start to the season. With the team’s depth, the emergence of players like Minten, and a goaltending tandem that continues to impress, the Leafs are poised for success.
The road to full recovery may take time, but Matthews’ return to the lineup is a sign that the Leafs’ offensive powerhouse is back in action, ready to take on the rest of the season.
