Auston Matthews enters 2026-27 with a goal that extends beyond staying healthy and that's helping to elevate his linemates up to his level.
Matthews is looking to bounce back after two straight down seasons filled with injuries as well as a shift in style of play as Craig Berube tried to utilize more of his defensive skillset at the cost of offensive opportunities.
After a 33-goal season in 2024-25 and a 27-goal campaign in 2025-26, Matthews not only dealt with regression but a Grade 3 MCL Tear took him out in mid-March last year and he's been on the road to recovery.
He's got a much more versatile supporting cast this upcoming season with names like Jack Roslovic bringing an air of familiarity meanwhile Gavin McKenna has the potential to be a great complement beside the captain. If he manages to get to 100% health and find his former 60-goal scorer form then the Maple Leafs could find great success.
Colaiacovo puts Matthews' leadership under a make-or-break test
However, former Maple Leaf defenceman and First Up co-host Carlo Colaiacovo believes that Matthews also has to take charge and elevate his teammates and that as captain, it comes down to how he can lead them to success:
Matthews has to elevate like John Tavares has. Going back to his Long Island days, he didn't have the best wingers but the ones he always played with he made cash in because he was that good. Matthews needs to elevate his game and be a difference maker. This is a make-or-break year for him I think.
Take Roslovic for example. He's a player who has typically bounced around the lineup from the first line to the fourth at times, but he's a capable 20-goal scorer with speed. Matthews is an above average playmaker and he should be able to take charge and use his talents to get Roslovic more consistent opportunities and help him stabilize a role.
Toronto tried to give Matthews a playmaker last year with Matias Maccelli but the team barely gave them enough time to acclimate and by the time Maccelli picked things up - the season was a lost cause.
If Matthews can find a way to make everyone he plays with better, then it gives Jim Hiller a lot more flexibility offensively because he knows that regardless of his personnel - Matthews is there to bring them to his level.
That in turn will make whoever plays with Matthews more prepared for high-pressure situations and if players are elevated by the captain, then hopefully that will translate to others on the team leading to a ripple effect where everyone becomes better throughout all four lines.
Toronto is still searching for Marner's replacement, but Matthews can help solve his own problem
This is no longer a personnel problem and there's no point in yearning for what Marner did for Matthews. He was responsible for his best seasons and it was a genuine loss when he departed and Toronto can't cycle through a litany of wingers to try and be an exact replica.
But we're coming on the second year without him and we can't rehash the same excuse. Matthews has the talent and ability to help create his own playmakers and better his own opportunities.
McKenna for example is going to be presented a lot of chances to succeed alongside Matthews over time, and while it's his responsibility to use his talent to help Matthews - the inverse is also true. Matthews' responsibility has to take more shots, he has to be a little quicker on the release and can't pass up any chances while easing the burden on the rookie's expectations.
If McKenna is feeding Matthews pass after pass on the tape and he consistently can't convert then we can't really blame the rookie for not doing his job - that lies solely on Matthews at that point.
Toronto also has several other playmakers at their disposal like Max Domi (if he's healthy), Matthew Knies (43 assists last season), and Easton Cowan (135 assists in the OHL and 18 in the NHL last year). Matthews has the chance to help elevate everyone involved if he's able to capitalize on his chances.
But that's no one's duty but the captain's.
Will Auston Matthews hit 50 goals in 2026-27?
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