Auston Matthews is back with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a freshly minted gold medalist, having clinched victory for Team USA over Canada. That’s a twist that might leave some Leafs fans scratching their heads. But as he returns, Matthews finds himself on a team facing potential big changes, with the trade deadline looming and much of the roster possibly on the move.
However, Leafs Nation can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to Matthews himself. The buzz over the past month has been clear: he’s not going anywhere. NHL legend Jeremy Roenick recently echoed this sentiment during a radio appearance, confirming Matthews' commitment to Toronto.
Roenick shared, “Auston could’ve left, but he has a bigger goal in mind and that is to win the Stanley Cup with the Maple Leafs.” That’s a mission that resonates deeply, especially given the Leafs’ storied yet star-crossed history.
For those keeping track, the last time Toronto hoisted the Stanley Cup was back in 1967. That’s a drought older than Matthews himself. The Leafs haven’t even reached the finals since then, making any potential run a monumental achievement for one of hockey’s most iconic franchises.
As captain, Matthews leading Toronto to the promised land would be nothing short of historic. Yet, given the current season’s challenges, it’s a tall order. Still, with Matthews at the helm, Leafs fans have every reason to keep dreaming big.