Auston Matthews' recent play drawing criticism as concerns grow in Toronto

Auston Matthews is beginning to face questions over his ability to be the Leafs star forward as the 28-year-old has struggled to look like his past self.

Coming off a serious injury last season that kept out twice last season, Matthews this season has struggled to regain his past form and play like his former Hart Trophy winning self.

With just 13 goals and 21 points in 25 games, respectable numbers for most players not named Auston Matthews, for the Leafs center its a sign of worry, and his recently play is adding further fuel to the flames.

The Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 overtime loss to the San Jose Sharks Thursday was marred with challenges for the team, including for Matthews.

Matthews had already been criticized for a lack of strong opportunities offensively. Matthews struggled to execute stretch passes and doing so in lieu of taking scoring chances, unthinkable for a former 69-goal scorer like himself.

The most controversial moment came as Matthews turned over the puck in overtime, leading to San Jose's game winner, with Matthews behind the pace of the Sharks in transition.

Despite a goal for Matthews, it was far from his best game, and one that analytics show was up and down for the Leafs captain.

Auston Matthews could be the next Leafs forward to have his place in the lineup take a shift in order to give his game a needed kick.

Leafs head coach Craig Berube recently demoted William Nylander to the third line to spark some offense after a four-game pointless streak, with Nylander having two assists outside the top-six.

Berube's best path to unlocking Matthews may come from taking him off the top line, or trying him outside of the top-six entirely, but where Nylander's problem was a lack of production, Matthews is looking slower and less hesitant to shoot, fixes needing more than a line change.

The challenge for Auston Matthews to revitalize his game comes at a time in which the Leafs need to have their offensive connecting, and Matthews being a leader is necessary to their success.