The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing heightened scrutiny as they navigate a rocky start to the 2025-26 season, with their record hovering around .500. The team's performance has sparked concerns among hockey insiders and fans alike, particularly regarding the play of star center and captain, Auston Matthews.
After an offseason that saw significant changes, including the departure of Mitch Marner, the Maple Leafs entered the season with adjusted expectations. General Manager Brad Treliving made a notable move by trading Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights, aiming to reshape the team's identity. However, the anticipated growing pains seem to have manifested more severely than anticipated.
One of the primary areas of concern is Matthews's performance. Despite being ranked first in 5-on-5 goals since his NHL debut, Matthews has struggled to find the back of the net consistently this season. He has only managed one 5-on-5 goal and a mere six since February 1st, a significant drop from his usual production. This dip in scoring has led to questions about his overall play and whether he is still dealing with lingering physical issues from the previous season. According to Leafs insider Jonas Siegel of The Athletic, Matthews "has been less productive so far than even last season when he played hurt from training camp". Siegel also noted a possible decline in Matthews' speed and power through the neutral zone. While Matthews tallied 33 goals and 78 points in 67 games last season, analysts suggest he hasn't been the same dominant force this year. Through 11 games, Matthews has five goals, two of which were scored on empty nets.
Adding to the concerns is the apparent lack of chemistry between Matthews and his linemates. The Maple Leafs have experimented with various combinations, including Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan, William Nylander, Bobby McMann, and Nick Robertson, but have yet to find a consistent spark. The absence of Marner seems to be weighing heavily on Matthews, as many of his goals in previous seasons were a direct result of Marner's assists. Analyst Jeff O'Neill has emphasized the significant impact of Marner's departure, noting deficiencies in multiple areas of the team.
Adding to the criticism, Nick Kypreos stated, "Auston Matthews is not working hard. He doesn't work hard". Kypreos questioned Matthews' energy and enthusiasm, suggesting that he might be in a phase where he lacks the drive to perform at his best. Coach Craig Berube has also acknowledged the team's struggles, pointing out a disconnect in the neutral zone and a tendency to complicate the game. He stressed the importance of playing simple and avoiding unnecessary turnovers.
Beyond the offensive struggles, the Maple Leafs' defensive play has also come under scrutiny. The team has spent an alarming amount of time in their own defensive zone, ranking last in the league in defensive zone time. According to The Athletic's Jonas Siegel, the Leafs rank second-last in the NHL in offensive zone time and spend the most time of any team in the defensive zone.
Despite the numerous concerns, some remain optimistic about the Maple Leafs' chances of turning things around. The potential return of injured players like Chris Tanev and William Nylander could provide a boost. There's also hope that younger players like Easton Cowan will step up and contribute. While trade acquisitions remain a possibility, the focus is primarily on improving the team's existing chemistry and defensive efforts.
As the season progresses, the pressure is mounting on Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs to find their rhythm and address the issues that have plagued them thus far. The team's ability to overcome these challenges will be crucial in determining their success in the highly competitive NHL landscape.
