Auston Matthews faces questions from Toronto media about accountability
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews is under fire from several Toronto media outlets for his lack of accountability and the fact that he has not shown nearly enough effort.
As the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, the onus lies on Auston Matthews to make sure that he carries the team on and off the ice. Whether it be through production game in and game out, or during his many appearances as the face of the franchise; Matthews is expected to lead.
That leadership has been called into question a bit over the past few weeks, with Craig Berube openly calling out Matthews and the other team leaders to step up when it matters and not let things slip away.
Auston Matthews under fire from Toronto media for lack of accountability
But that criticism hasn't slowed down much and Matthews' recent comments, or rather, a lack thereof; has seriously started to frustrate people.
It was something that both TSN OverDrive touched on as well as Sportsnet's Real Kyper and Bourne Show, as both programs dove into their displeasure for Matthews' production and attitude recently.
Matthew sspoike post-game about needing to step up; but stopped short at blaming himself or taking personal accountability:
We can all be better, obviously Rightfully so, it's going to fall on the leaders, and that's fine. We've got to be better in that area and make sure that in tight games we keep grinding and doing what made us successful in the first two periods.
While there is something to be said about Morgan Rielly and John Tavares not stepping up; they aren't the captain and someone being paid $13.25-million to be a shell of his former self.
First, Kyper and Bourne were irked about Matthews' comments given that he failed to take responsibility:
He's asked personally about his play and says, 'We can all be better.' He's not taking responsibility. - Justin Bourne
It's like Matthews is saying 'I'm okay, I am in my comfort zone. It's me, JT, Willy, and Morgan; but I don't want to sit above them and take criticism.' - Nick Kypreos
It's like Matthews is saying 'I'm okay, I am in my comfort zone. It's me, JT, Willy, and Morgan; but I don't want to sit above them and take criticism.' - Nick Kypreos
Then it was OverDrive who also took umbrage with Matthews not appearing in the post-game media availability and called out the captain for again; his lack of accountability:
It's about you best guys getting it done and producing. Top players, you always gotta produce, if not your team is gonna get jammed up. - Jeff O'Neill
Interesting, Berube made that comment and then Auston didn't speak. I think that's a horrible look. From Day One they protected him. You're the captain, you've got to speak and you didn't. I look at him, he's been here 10 years. He's gotta say 'I'm going, I gotta speak. 82 times a year as the captain you need to speak. - Bryan Hayes
Interesting, Berube made that comment and then Auston didn't speak. I think that's a horrible look. From Day One they protected him. You're the captain, you've got to speak and you didn't. I look at him, he's been here 10 years. He's gotta say 'I'm going, I gotta speak. 82 times a year as the captain you need to speak. - Bryan Hayes
It's not great to see Toronto being so coy with their captain. What's the point of anointing someone the face of the team if they never show it? Matthews has not been good and he knows it.
Auston Matthews not the captain Toronto needs
That's no excuse when it comes to media appearances and every other captain win or lose will take responsibility. Toronto is devoid of any emotion, and the reason the reaction is so loud from analysts, fans, and the media is because Toronto is apathetic and dead silent. Even a whisper echoes in a quiet room.
Mats Sundin would face the media with integrity, grace, and most of all; a genuine sense of responsibility. If the team won, he gave them their flowers. If they got blown out, there were no excuses and it started with him.
Long gone are the days of Wendel Clark, Mats Sundin, Darryl Sittler, Doug Gilmour, and John Tavares; heck even Dion Phaneuf was a captain who took his lumps and still faced the music.
Auston Matthews' silence speaks volumes about his leadership ability, something that seems to be eluding the captain of one of the most iconic franchises in professional sports.
And it's getting really old, really quick.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16|1218 ANSWERS Auston Matthews faces questions from Toronto media about accountability Do you think Auston Matthews is a good leader for the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 199 | 16.3 % |
| No | 1019 | 83.7 % |
| List of polls | ||