Auston Matthews reveals concerning test result that forced Maple Leafs to adjust his training

Auston Matthews confessed that the new-look sports performance department is adjusting how they focus on health - and it's making everyone a lot more prepared.

If there is one thing you can point to so far early on this season it's the fact that Auston Matthews looks a lot better than he has over the past two years. He's faster, stronger, shooting more, and already has 12 points through the first seven games of the 2026-27 season.

He's got that pep in his step like we saw when he was scoring at a blistering pace, and if he can continue to lead like he has been, then the Maple Leafs are in good hands.

Auston Matthews blown away by new approach by Toronto's training staff

But he also admitted that he couldn't do it alone, and that the improvement in the sports performance department has been a crucial asset. Matthews explained that he took a test that determined if he was ready, and it said no - but it was how the team reacted that surprised him:

I forget what day it was, but we played a game and then practised, and I think we were playing again. (O'Brien) was like, ‘Your readiness score is not great today. Why don't you just get moving a little bit? Move your tissue around, get warmed up, just get ready to skate and don't worry about the workout essentially.'

That's a wild turnaround from what we had seen previously where players who might be dealing with injuries may be either forced to play through them if the staff felt it wasn't detrimental, or they would be held back for longer periods of time while getting more info.

Matthews seemed taken aback by the fact he could just...take it easy. Not able to workout? No problem, just stay limber and do what you can. The game is more important than the workout, and it's better to play it safe.

Toronto's new philosophy is a genuine culture shock for the Maple Leafs

It was also something that the Toronto organization has not really done as a whole, at least not publicly. There seemed to be no real communication which is something Matthews pointed to as a massive improvement, as he felt that no matter what - they had a plan:

I feel like it's nice to just have that information and be able to track that, so it makes sense,” Matthews went on. “Like, OK, I woke up this morning and I kinda feel like s-. It matches with what that (test) says, and then there's a plan for you to get yourself going.

You can get a good workout in, a skate, workout, movement, whatever it is that you need to do, but also feel good for the following day if we're playing.

It's genuinely impressive to see how much a simple change in structure and philosophy can completely change things. If players don't feel pressured to work through things or don't have a way to measure if they are ready or not, then it's a gamble which could lead to more injuries.

If this leads to less injuries as a whole, or better preparation ahead of games then not only is that going to lead to more success but also give players the confidence that they can go into a day not feeling 100% and actually get the support they need.

That'll only make them play better, and if Auston Matthews is proof of that: Then Toronto may be back in contention sooner than later.

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