Matthews Sends Clear Message to Teammates Before Season Opener

There is certainly some concern regarding Auston Matthews' health heading into the 2025-26 season, and while he says he is feeling good, we won't really know how things are going until he takes the ice for real, and not just in a charity appearance.

Although it was a fantastic experience for everyone involved, it was hardly the display that Matthews is expected to bring on a nightly basis. He seems motivated as ever to bounce back, and is going to need to in order to get through life without Mitch Marner.

However, he also made sure that ahead of the season his team was paying attention, and had a clear message for them: You better be ready and show up this season.

Speaking before taking the ice in Brampton for a charity hockey event, Matthews was asked how he felt going into the season, and what he expects from the Leafs in 2025-26:

While Matthews was certainly excited about the prospect of the new faces coming in, he also made sure to let them and everyone know that certain players are going to need to step it up.

Those players might include faces like Max Domi (who may be on Matthews' line to start the season), Nicholas Robertson, Morgan Rielly, and even new faces like Matias Maccelli.

Matthews isn't going to take any slacking off from his teammates, and with a wide open Atlantic Division, the team is going to need to keep the foot on the gas and not let up.

But it shows a sign that he's truly taking his leadership role seriously, and expects nothing less than a complete effort from everyone involved.

There was some debate last season about whether or not Matthews would fit into his new role as leader easily or if there would be some issues. He had to deal with some injuries which certainly skewed some things, but it's clear he is going to try and lead by example and expects others to follow.

Although he skated in 67 games last season, Matthews still put up 78 points (33 goals, 45 assists).

It's a sign that the philosophy of the Maple Leafs is shifting to hard work, dedication, and passion; something Brad Treliving boasted about improving this summer.

It looks like it's starting to rub off on Auston Matthews, which can only mean good things for 2025-26.