Auston Matthews' Latest Comment Feels Like a Warning to the Rest of the League
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Auston Matthews is opening up on how he feels physically as he struggles to return to his superstar form, but his comments show he might be on the right track.
Auston Matthews spoke to reporters when asked about how he feels his game has progressed. Matthews missed parts of last season due to injury, and upon his return seemed to not be at the level of himself, the former Rocket Richard winner, but Matthews says he's never been better.
Matthews this season has been good, but not on his former superstar level, fourth among Leafs in points with 12 in 14 games, and more worryingly, just eight goals, on pace for just 70 points.
In what may be a bright spot in the situation, Matthews discussed his early start and his feelings at full health, confirming that he's not dealing with injuries, and that despite a slow start doesn't feel slowed down by the time missed last season.
Matthews Quietly Confirms He Likes Where His Game's Headed
Auston Matthews spoke on how he feels his game is progressing, giving some positivity to how he's feeling despite not being at the usual level expected of himself as one of the league's best.
I think in the last week or so, I like where my game's been at. Good opportunities, good chances throughout each game, and just want to keep that going, play well defensively, be responsible. - Austin Matthews (via Scott Maxwell)
The news will come as some positivity to Leafs fans who had concerns that Matthews was dealing with the lingering impact of injuries, but the issue, at least to Matthews, is bad luck and not getting chances as easily as he's perhaps used to.
Auston Matthews sees his game as being in a good place, even if he's not getting the results he'd desire. If Matthews can translate that comfort to scoring success, it could lead to big results for Toronto.
Why This Version of Auston Matthews Should Scare the Rest of the League
Auston Matthews at his best is one of the most dangerous players in the league, and it would be deadly if he can return to form.
For one, Matthews is currently unperforming at this current stage, with the 28-year-old clearly not playing to his best as injuries last season had kept him down, and seem to have taken a bit out of him somewhat, but Matthews doesn't see it that way.
Just as important is to note that Matthews has arguably been the Maple Leafs fourth best forward. William Nylander has been taking the lead on offense early and with John Tavares and Matthew Knies outproducing Matthews.
There's still much time in the season for Matthews to return to his prior form, but he will have to prove not only that he's able to find more of his offense, but return to that #1 option the Leafs need in order to win.
If Auston Matthews can get going and find his groove, with how strong the Leafs scoring has been so far this season, a productive Matthews could turn the Toronto from a top offense to the NHL's best.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 7 | 916 ANSWERS Auston Matthews' Latest Comment Feels Like a Warning to the Rest of the League Do you think Auston Matthews' struggles are result of his past injuries? | ||
| Yes | 519 | 56.7 % |
| No | 397 | 43.3 % |
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