Auston Matthews' new linemates must solve one major Maple Leafs problem

The Toronto Maple Leafs' biggest lineup question isn't who is going to be playing beside Auston Matthews but what they're going to be asked to do for the captain.

Former Maple Leafs defenceman Carlo Colaiacovo was co-hosting TSN's First Up when he mentioned that he believes Auston Matthews needs players capable of getting him the puck and winning possession because he's most dangerous when he can focus on shooting - and it should be Jim Hiller's top priority to build him that line next season.

34 needs the puck on his stick, so you need guys to get him the puck...he needs guys to get the puck.

It's a fair point from Colaiacovo and it shows just how much Craig Berube relied on Matthews to not only be the goal-scorer, but also fight for pucks and also try and play playmaker all at the same time. He can't do it all, and needs the right pieces to help him thrive again.

Toronto has to stop asking Auston Matthews to do everything himself

For as good a player as Matthews is, it's unfeasible to ask him to run the offence, score, defend, kill penalties, and be a playmaker. That's too many variables for him to focus on, and diminishes his his true strengths.

Matthews' defensive usage over the past two seasons was astronomically higher than it was before and Craig Berube preferred to use him as a jack-of-all-trades type of player who can be plugged into any situation - offensively or defensively.

But without a defined role, Matthews could not get comfortable. Often times he would hesitate an extra half second to make a decision and would cost him scoring chances, then with how Toronto struggled, he would be trapped in the defensive zone long enough to not have an offensive impact.

Toronto didn't have a consistent or reliable player who won battles in their end and managed to get the puck out in transition, so Matthews never had the chance to break out.

Toronto's must prioritize fit when deciding who should line up with Auston Matthews

Which is why when Jim Hiller builds the first line he has to make sure it's not just the best group available but the best group for Matthews.

Matthew Knies was brought up by Colaiacovo and he is a perfect example. He's a physically dominant player who doesn't get bullied easily, and can be the one who fights for pucks using his sheer strength and size. He also added 43 assists last year, so he's more than capable of finding an open Matthews.

Gavin McKenna was also mentioned however he can't be pressured into helping right away but given enough time, he and Matthews will find chemistry. You have to find players who are willing to put their body on the line to win battles, while also having an outlet or two who can make those passes.

There are a couple other players who the Maple Leafs could try alongside Matthews. If Hiller wanted to get creative, he could slide John Tavares on Matthews' wing with Knies and have two puck battlers who can crash the net, are dangerous in close, and are good enough to find Matthews for a scoring chance.

Toronto could also experiment with William Nylander but he isn't necessarily a top guy when it comes to battling for pucks and while he's more than capable of helping out with playmaking - having two premium scorers fighting for chances may not be the best alternative.

It's less about finding a player who can be talented punk-handler next to Matthews, and more about being able to get the puck back and forth to create some distance, then allow Matthews to slide in behind the defence as they scramble to catch up.

If Toronto builds a line capable of allowing Auston Matthews to focus on his strongest skill - his goal scoring - then we could very well see a resurgent #34 in 2026-27 but they have to make sure it's the two who fit the best, not just the biggest names available.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs cut ties with 2025 draft pick after just one year