Auston Matthews is back in the Toronto media spotlight as the Leafs slump continues
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews is once again in the spotlight after he was criticized for his lack of media appearances when things get tough, with many urging him to speak up more.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has turned things around this season after a slow start, however with the team mired in a four-game losing streak it's up to him to rally the troops.
While he can only do so much, there is an onus as the captain of the team to be able to get everyone on the same page and make sure they are putting in the same amount of effort night in and night out.
Hey, Auston! Speak up! We need to hear you!
However one issue that Matthews tends to have is his relative shyness towards being a vocal part of the team. It's been a topic of discussion for a while now, and it seems to be back in the spotlight during these dire times.
The TSN OverDrive panel discussed what's wrong with Matthews' bashfulness in front of the camera with Bryan Hayes laying it out bluntly on how the captain can start proving himself:
When Mitch Marner came back it was a big, big night. That's a huge fight. They were terrible and he didn't talk before the game, he didn't talk after the game -- I find it hard to believe he would not have spoken had they won.
I think if they won he probably goes out. But it's not about the media, it's not about the fans though that's a part of it. If you're a captain, especially of one of the Original Six teams, you talk 82 times. It's not asking that much.
I think if they won he probably goes out. But it's not about the media, it's not about the fans though that's a part of it. If you're a captain, especially of one of the Original Six teams, you talk 82 times. It's not asking that much.
There is a question about whether Matthews really needs to talk after every game, but he certainly needs to start making more appearances regardless of the result.
Matthews can learn from his peers about being a present captain
Connor McDavid is in front of the camera no matter what, and he's been quite candid in his comments before which is something Toronto fans rarely get and things were far from perfect early on for Edmonton.
Sure, there's frustration and the last thing Matthews wants to do is relive a loss, especially one like Marner's return but it comes with the territory. John Tavares wouldn't have an issue one way or another, and he's talked a lot more than Matthews this year; raising questions about who is the real leader.
Conversations are uncomfortable sometimes, and the media is going to try and get a story, that's obvious. But the constant hiding and silence makes for even more noise and gets the chatter going.
The best way for Matthews to combat this is to start appearing more. If he starts being honest and giving his take on the game (good or bad) then it'll at least push fans off the topic of his lack of media availability.
Coupled with a resurgent season, it could be the thing that gets the fans back on Matthews' side because unfortunately right now it's his actions are doing all the talking.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 27|1134 ANSWERS Auston Matthews is back in the Toronto media spotlight as the Leafs slump continues Do you think Auston Matthews needs to make more media appearances? | ||
| Yes | 626 | 55.2 % |
| No | 508 | 44.8 % |
| List of polls | ||