Matthews Addresses Leafs' Playoff Miss, Injury, and Future

The Toronto Maple Leafs concluded the 2024-25 NHL season with a record of 32 wins, 36 losses, and 14 overtime losses. This placed the team second-worst in the Eastern Conference and resulted in the franchise missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since captain Auston Matthews joined the team.

Season Recap and Team Performance

When asked about the season, Matthews stated:

"This year we didn't meet the goals or the expectations that we set out at the start. And ultimately, that's on me, that's on us as players."

He attributed the team's decline from a 108-point, division-winning campaign the previous season to a lack of consistent performance.

Leadership and Fan Reaction

Matthews addressed his role as team captain and the reaction from supporters. "I love being the captain of this team. I think it's an incredible honor to wake up every day and wear this jersey," he said.

Regarding fan sentiment, Matthews added:

"We love our fans, and we appreciate our fans, and I think we understand their frustration. I think we wear that alongside them."

Injury Status and Personal Season

Auston Matthews confirmed his rehabilitation from an injury is progressing. He was seen wearing a brace on his left knee during the media availability.

In the 2024-25 season, Matthews played 60 games, recording 27 goals and 53 points. These totals represent career-low marks for the player.

Organizational Context and Future Outlook

Matthews noted the organization is entering a period of change, describing it as a "searching phase" for new leadership and management. He expressed optimism about the team's core group of players improving next season and characterized the past season as potentially a "one off."

"I believe in the guys in this room and the people that we have here," Matthews stated.

Player Background

• Auston Matthews was selected first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
• Since making his NHL debut, he has scored 428 goals, the most of any player in the league during that timeframe.
• The 2024-25 season was the first in which the Maple Leafs failed to qualify for the postseason during Matthews' tenure with the club.