Maple Leafs reveal new data that proves Auston Matthews is better than ever

Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka revealed that new analysis on Auston Matthews' skating shows he's the best he's been in the last five years.

There's been a lot of concern over the past two seasons regarding Auston Matthews and his ability to be the offensive force he once was. Pushed into a heavier defensive role under Craig Berube, that coupled with multiple injuries led him to put up career-worst numbers.

But he's seemingly back to 100% and has shown glimpses of the former 69-goal scorer during the preseason, which is a welcome relief for fans and the club itself. While we can't expect him to immediately be that 60+ goal force, him being more consistent and just getting shots up is only going to get him closer to that level.

Auston Matthews is coming into 2026-27 the best he's been in a half-decade

However with questions about his recovery from MCL surgery and how his legs are going to hold up, we are all extremely excited - but cautious - when it comes to setting expectations for the captain.

But John Chayka just dropped a huge update that no one saw coming: Matthews is better than ever.

According to the Maple Leafs GM, internal data shows that per their findings, Matthews has been skating at a level not seen over the last five years, and putting up much more consistent and faster speed this summer:

John Chayka says the #leafs internal data shows that this is the best Auston Matthews has skated in the last five years.

-

Chayka stopped short at revealing how the team came to that conclusion or what type of analysis or tools they used to determine that, it's at least a great sign for the team heading into a critical 2026-27 season.

What a refreshed Auston Matthews can do for Toronto

Well flat out, it would give the Maple Leafs fans an air of relief knowing that they do not need to wonder if Matthews is back. A rejuvenated Matthews is only going to push others into being better players themselves and hopefully create a well-oiled unit that all feeds off each other.

Matthews already admitted that the team feels a lot closer and have learned to find chemistry with each other off the ice in the hopes that it will translate on the ice. It's important to remember that these players are constantly together, so building rapport and knowing their ticks can only build a stronger group.

But beyond the locker room help, Matthews now offers Toronto a serious threat once again that defences will need to worry about. In turn, that will help others like Gavin McKenna, Jack Roslovic, and William Nylander thrive even more knowing they have more freedom because Matthews is so dominant.

All we can hope for is that Chayka's data is up to snuff, and that what he's preaching about Matthews is rooted in truth rather in fantasy.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Kirill Marchenko's official status against the Montreal Canadiens has been confirmed