The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing unexpected challenges this season, bringing to light a perplexing issue: the Auston Matthews problem. While the team anticipated relying on their star center, the reality has been more complicated than imagined.
After a promising 2024-25 season where Auston Matthews was named the 26th captain in Toronto Maple Leafs history on August 14, 2024, high expectations surrounded the team. However, the current season has been marked by inconsistency and a struggle to find a winning formula. With only six regulation wins in 16 games, the Maple Leafs are far from coasting to the Atlantic Division crown.
One of the primary concerns is Matthews' performance. While he still demonstrates flashes of brilliance, he hasn't consistently dominated games. Some observers note that Matthews, while still "slick and sneaky", no longer imposes his will on defenders with the same force, leading to questions about what might be affecting his play. There is a debate on "why," and not "if," because he's undeniably just not the same powerful force he was en route to winning a Hart Trophy. Despite reaching the milestone of 400 NHL goals in April 2025, his current performance is being heavily scrutinized.
The absence of Mitch Marner, a long-time linemate, was initially cited as a potential factor in Matthews' struggles. However, statistics comparing Matthews' performance with and without Marner suggest that this isn't the primary issue. The team's struggles extend beyond Matthews' individual performance. The offense sputters, and the defense and goaltending have been adequate at best. The team has struggled to score goals, and their power play success rate is near the bottom of the league. Defensively, they allow too many goals, ranking among the bottom teams in the league. The absence of Chris Tanev, a key defensive defenseman, due to injury has further exacerbated these issues.
The Maple Leafs' problems also seem to stem from a lack of focus and motivation. There appears to be something lacking in the team's motivation and will to win this season. The tight checking, structured play, and elite scoring chances that were hallmarks of their game are now missing. Even the hustle and determination for puck battles seem diminished.
Injuries to key players like Matthews and goaltender Anthony Stolarz have further compounded the team's woes. Stolarz's injury has forced the team to consider recalling Joseph Woll from the AHL, adding another layer of uncertainty to their goaltending situation.
Coach Craig Berube has expressed his frustration with the team's performance, even singling out the top line. While Berube's attempts to light a fire under the team are understandable, the fact that these issues are surfacing so early in the season suggests deeper, underlying problems.
The Maple Leafs are currently 31st in "rushes against per game" and 32nd in rush goals against per game. They are giving up a goal on the rush at a pace of roughly one per game. To address these issues, the Maple Leafs need to find solutions both on and off the ice. They need to improve their team play, establish a clear line hierarchy, and address the lack of motivation and focus. While Matthews' individual performance is undoubtedly a factor, the team's struggles are a collective issue that requires a comprehensive solution. The team may need to decide whether they want to prioritize grit over skill and ability.
As the Maple Leafs navigate this challenging period, they must find a way to unlock Matthews' full potential and address the systemic issues plaguing the team. The solutions to these problems were not apparent when the season began, making them problems the Maple Leafs didn't see coming.
