Auston Matthews, once the toast of the NHL with a staggering 69-goal season, is now projected to notch 42 goals and 78 points this year. At just 26, some are questioning whether Matthews is on the decline, but let's dive into the details before jumping to conclusions.
Olympic Glory
Despite the chatter, Matthews recently led Team USA to its first Olympic gold since 1980, serving as captain. His performance was stellar, tying with Jack Hughes for the second-most points on the team with three goals and four assists in six games. Matthews shone brightly, especially in the final, showcasing both offensive flair and defensive grit.
Life Without Marner
A major storyline this season has been Matthews' adjustment to life without Mitch Marner, who moved to Vegas. Critics speculated that Matthews would struggle without Marner’s elite playmaking.
Initially, it seemed they might be right, but Matthews found his groove, hitting a 56-goal, 97-point pace by January. This resurgence came despite a brief slump and playing alongside linemates Bobby McMann and Max Domi.
Matthews has proven he can thrive without Marner, even if luck hasn't always been on his side.
Battling Injuries
It's no secret that Matthews has been playing through injuries over the past two seasons. While he's been tight-lipped about specifics, many suspect back issues have been a significant factor.
His goal tally dropped from 69 to 32 in one season, indicating something was amiss. Recently, Matthews has shown flashes of his former self, but injury concerns linger, and they might continue to affect his game.
Coaching Challenges
The arrival of Craig Berube has also played a role in Matthews' perceived dip. Berube’s strategy has increased Matthews’ defensive responsibilities, treating him more like a defensive specialist than the offensive juggernaut he is.
Matthews is among the top five in shot blocks, a risky proposition for someone of his scoring caliber. This shift in usage has hindered his production, and it's clear that a more balanced approach could unleash his full potential.
What’s Next for Matthews?
So, is Auston Matthews washed up at 28? Far from it.
The key question is whether the Leafs can optimize his role to tap into his full potential. Finding the right linemates and a coaching strategy that maximizes his scoring prowess is crucial.
Matthews still has the talent to be a top-10, even top-five player in the league. While another 69-goal season might be a stretch, with the right support, another 60-goal campaign isn't out of reach.
Matthews' story is far from over, and the Leafs have the opportunity to help him write an exciting new chapter.