Auston Matthews Is Heating Up - And Just in Time for the Maple Leafs
It’s been a rocky start to 2026 for the Toronto Maple Leafs, but if there’s been one steady force amid the turbulence, it’s Auston Matthews. While the team has struggled to find consistency, Matthews has been dialed in-especially when it comes to lighting the lamp. His New Year’s Day hat trick against Winnipeg wasn’t just a flashy start to the calendar year; it set the tone for what’s quietly becoming one of the most impactful stretches of 5-on-5 play in the league.
Since January 1, Matthews leads the NHL in 5-on-5 goals, tied with Montreal’s Cole Caufield. But it’s not just the raw numbers that stand out-it’s how he’s doing it.
Matthews isn’t simply relying on his trademark curl-and-drag release anymore (though that’s still very much in the arsenal). What’s jumped off the screen lately is his acceleration.
He’s getting into high-danger areas with ease, using a burst we haven’t consistently seen from him in the past two seasons. And when he gets there, the shot is back to being lethal.
“He has been excellent for quite some time, driving play for us,” head coach Craig Berube said back on January 19. “I think our team is really feeding off that, too.”
You can see it in his game at even strength, especially in moments where the ice opens up. Take his goal against the Colorado Avalanche, for example.
It wasn’t flashy, but it was clinical. At 4-on-4, Matthews found space through the neutral zone and didn’t hesitate-he ripped one past Trent Miner, untouched.
That’s the kind of moment that shows just how dangerous Matthews can be when he’s given a sliver of room. You give him time, and he’ll make you pay.
Lately, Matthews has been skating alongside Bobby McMann and Max Domi. On paper, the trio’s numbers haven’t been dominant-they’ve been outscored 13-12 and hold a 49.6% expected goals share over 190 minutes of 5-on-5 time since the start of the year.
But that doesn’t tell the full story. Matthews’ individual performance has been elevated, and the chemistry with his linemates is starting to show signs of something more.
McMann brings straight-line speed-elite speed, actually. According to NHL Edge tracking data, he’s clocked the fourth-fastest skating speed in the league this season. That kind of pace can create chaos, and Matthews has been taking advantage of it.
“I don’t know about explosion, but his lateral movement has been more noticeable for sure,” McMann said of Matthews on January 19. “He’s been going east-west a lot more, and he’s having success with it. I think I play a bit more straight-line, so it’s good to have guys who can play east-west.”
That blend of styles-McMann stretching the ice vertically, Matthews slicing through it laterally-has opened up lanes that weren’t always there earlier in the season.
Max Domi, meanwhile, has found a groove working off Matthews’ movement. Domi’s passing from the right wing has been a natural fit with Matthews’ ability to find soft spots in coverage.
Their connection has already produced some big moments, including an overtime winner against Winnipeg on January 17. It’s not just that they’re producing-it’s the way they’re reading off each other.
Matthews’ skating is creating space, and Domi’s vision is helping exploit it.
“I think Auston likes playing in the middle,” Domi said. “My job is to transition the puck, and I like having the puck in the neutral zone, so it’s fun.”
That synergy was on full display against Minnesota on January 19. After a quick turnover, Domi sprung Matthews on a breakaway, and the result was textbook: Matthews finished with authority. It’s the kind of play that reminds you just how dangerous he can be when he gets even half a step on a defender.
“He’s one of these guys that when he’s feeling it, he’s obviously one of the best players in the league,” teammate Nicolas Roy said on January 23. “It’s fun to watch.”
And make no mistake-Matthews is feeling it right now.
With the playoff picture looking murky and Toronto hovering on the bubble with just a 10.1% chance of making the postseason, the Leafs are going to need every ounce of firepower they can get. That means Matthews will have to keep driving the bus. His skating, his shot, his ability to control the game at 5-on-5-it’s all going to be crucial down the stretch.
If the Maple Leafs are going to claw their way into the playoffs for a 10th straight season, it won’t be because of luck. It’ll be because Auston Matthews put them on his back and reminded the league just how dominant he can be when he’s in full flight.