Auston Matthews is facing scrutiny for his handling of media obligations surrounding Mitch Marner's return to Toronto on Friday. Marner, who spent nine seasons with the Maple Leafs before joining the Vegas Golden Knights this season, played his first game back in Toronto since the move.

The highly anticipated game drew mixed reactions from fans, with some booing Marner, while a video tribute garnered cheers. Matthews commented on the reception, stating, "It was nice that there were some cheers for him during the video tribute...I think it was kinda done the right way". He also acknowledged the expected boos when Marner was on the ice, adding that it fostered a better atmosphere. The Golden Knights ultimately won the game 6-3.

However, it was Matthews' perceived lack of enthusiasm and reluctance to engage with media questions about Marner that has sparked criticism. In the days leading up to the game, Matthews reportedly said, "I've had enough of the Mitch questions". Furthermore, Matthews was not made available to the media leading up to Friday's game. This perceived avoidance has led some to believe that the Leafs players, including Matthews, didn't grasp the significance of the event for fans and the media. Other players downplayed the game as just another one on the schedule.

This isn't the first time a player has faced intense scrutiny upon returning to a former team. Jack Eichel, now with the Golden Knights, experienced similar treatment when he returned to Buffalo. Eichel offered support to Marner, acknowledging the emotional connection players have with their former teams and expressing the challenges of receiving a negative welcome.

Marner himself expressed excitement about returning to Toronto, a building he said "meant a lot" to him, while also being unsure of the reception he would receive.

Some observers believe the Maple Leafs' flat performance in the game was connected to the team's apparent lack of emotional investment in the event. The Leafs players' comments suggested they were treating it as a routine game, contrasting sharply with the high anticipation surrounding Marner's return.

While Matthews did speak briefly after the game, his earlier reluctance to address questions about Marner has fueled the perception that he was "ducking" the media on a significant occasion. This has opened him up to criticism from fans and analysts who felt he should have acknowledged the importance of Marner's return and the emotions surrounding it.