Mats Sundin on Auston Matthews handling pressure most stars never face

If you were to ask most Maple Leafs fans, they would say that Mats Sundin ranks as either the greatest or one of the greatest players in franchise history. Not only was he an offensive machine who led the team through some of their best seasons in the modern era, but also cemented himself as a true icon.

Always respectful, gracious and humble, Sundin is one of the most beloved players ever, and is no question one of the greatest captains in Maple Leafs history.

Though he's far and away from his time with the team, he's been in the spotlight recently due to Auston Matthews' quest to break Sundin's all-time scoring record.

Well, Matthews didn't let Sundin wait too long, as he broke the record on Saturday against New York, and cemented himself as the greatest scorer in team history.

But Sundin was sure to give Matthews his flowers and also commend him not only on his offensive prowess but the fact he can handle himself so well given the expectations placed on him:

While some may criticize Matthews for his lack of emotion or quiet nature when it comes to media interviews, there's no denying that not only is he the leader of the team; but he very well might be back.

Since the holiday break, Matthews has been on an absolute tear. Since Dec. 27 he has 11 points (7 goals, 4 assists), a plus-3, and 29 shots while showcasing much more of that deadly shot we've come to know and admire for a decade.

Matthews now sits alone at the top of the Maple Leafs leaderboard when it comes to goals, and only sits eight points away from passing another legend on the all-time points list -- Borje Salming.

Matthews still needs 226 points to catch up to Sundin, and as long as he stays healthy and plays for the next few years he will surely break that record too though it depends on if he's still around after his contract expires.

Sundin was part of the Maple Leafs for 13 years, playing in 981 games and registering 987 points (420 goals, 567 assists) and was captain of the team from 1997-98 until 2007-2008. He ranks first in points, second in goals, second in assists, sixth in games played and first in power-play goals.

Leave it to Sundin to be as humble as ever when passing the torch to Matthews, and knowing how much pressure there is as captain; it seems like #34 has certainly made #13 very, very proud.

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