Auston Matthews shows Gavin McKenna why he's captain of the Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews is entering his third season as captain of the franchise, and Gavin McKenna is bringing something out of him we've never seen before.

Over the last couple of years, Auston Matthews hasn't exactly lived up to the expectations of a captain. He was a quiet leader during his first season with the "C," and it culminated in an embarrassing Game 7 playoff exit at the hands of the Florida Panthers.

Meanwhile, in his second season as captain, Matthews endured yet another decline in goal-scoring. He had just 27 goals in 60 games, and his Leafs crumbled as he could not live up to his 50-goal seasons of years past.

Now, Matthews is going into his third season as captain, and it appears as though the Leafs' first overall pick, Gavin McKenna, has inspired him to kick his leadership up a notch.

Gavin McKenna reveals his meeting with Auston Matthews

While speaking to the media during rookie camp, McKenna revealed that Matthews invited the rookie to his home.

McKenna said he felt welcome with Matthews, and that it shows the captain is a true leader.

To be at his house, it was pretty special. For him to invite me over and just sit down and talk with him and hang out, it was pretty special. I think that is just the type of leader he is. He knows I'm a young guy, and he's trying to welcome me. It's special for him to do that, and I appreciate it.

-

McKenna's comments show one thing. That Matthews has fully embraced the captaincy. Following a horrible season that finished with the Leafs at the bottom of the Atlantic, a motivated Matthews can only be a good thing for the franchise.

Is Auston Matthews healthy?

One question plaguing the team going into this season is whether or not Auston Matthews is healthy. Matthews underwent knee surgery on his MCL following a dirty knee-on-knee hit from Radko Gudas.

According to reports, Matthews has spent the Summer recovering and should be ready to go before the season starts. However, the fact remains that Matthews has gone from 69 goals to 33 goals to 27 goals over the last three seasons. This is a steep decline, and one that must be rectified if the Leafs want to win.

That said, Matthews is going all in on being a leader for Gavin McKenna, and that should make Leafs fans excited as opening night is less than one month away.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs act on Nick Blankenburg PTO idea days after HockeyPatrol identified the fit