Auston Matthews Already Back on Toronto Ice Ahead of Camp, And Leafs Fans Love What It Means

With the 2025-26 season closely upon us now that September has come around, it means that the Toronto Maple Leafs fans are going to be hotly anticipating that is going to happen this season.

A lot of changes from top to bottom have occurred and a new group of players are coming in expected to help the team push past the second round and finally give the team a proper playoff run.

One big question this season is how Auston Matthews is going to rebound from a career-worst 33 goals and dealing with injuries the entirety of the season. Only playing in 67 games, Matthews still managed 78 points but was a shell of his usual dominating self.

However, with the season looming, Matthews doesn't want to have any excuses and a new video shows that he's already on the ice working hard and trying to get in as many reps as possible.

It's a great sign for fans that Matthews is not only looking healthy, but is determined to take over the team in the wake of losing Mitch Marner.

The response on social media is pretty positive as well:

It shows the captain isn't going to let anything get in the way of a hot start and it shows his leadership by example by being on the ice ahead of everyone and trying to find his stride long before the season opens up.

Showing the fans that you mean business is more than could be asked of Mitch Marner, and it might make us forget about his lack of a strong season last year, knowing he has the motivation to move past it himself.

Although it is questionable regarding his health in terms of him being 100% and a non-issue; and the first few weeks will be a test, however if he truly is over it that means we're in for a treat.

There's no monkey business with Matthews, and he's telling the fans, coaches and his teammates that this year has to be the year, no more pretending.

That means they will need to start producing more in the playoffs when it matters and Matthews is certainly going to have to be a big part of it. But without a Marner distraction it could be what the captain needs to get his ship steered straight.

It's time to be excited Leafs Nation: The captain is back.