{"id":89224,"date":"2025-08-22T17:33:09","date_gmt":"2025-08-22T17:33:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/89224\/"},"modified":"2025-08-22T17:33:09","modified_gmt":"2025-08-22T17:33:09","slug":"maple-leafs-matthews-remain-focused-without-marner-the-hockey-writers-toronto-maple-leafs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/89224\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Leafs & Matthews Remain Focused Without Marner – The Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs"},"content":{"rendered":"

On Wednesday, prior to his appearance at Hockey Night in Brampton, Toronto Maple Leafs\u2019 captain Auston Matthews<\/a> spoke for the first time publicly regarding the departure of former teammate Mitch Marner<\/a> who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights earlier this offseason.<\/p>\n

While it seems there are no hard feelings amongst the former teammates, Matthews seems to understand the business side of the game and that Marner\u2019s departure is just another chapter for his former winger.<\/p>\n

Matthews Wishes Marner the Best<\/p>\n

Above everything else, Matthews led with the fact that the Maple Leafs would miss the star forward.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll obviously miss him,\u201d he said regarding Marner<\/a>. \u201cHe\u2019s a great friend, great teammate. That\u2019s kind of the business side of it, that\u2019s tough. But obviously wish him nothing but the best\u2026we\u2019ll just keep it moving.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AustonAuston Matthews and William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr<\/a>\/The Hockey Writers)<\/p>\n

Matthews debuted alongside Marner during the 2016-17 season. The two helped a the Maple Leafs rebound from a tumultuous season and become a perennial playoff team again. While the success come playoff time hasn\u2019t been there through their tenure together, the pair climbed franchise lists helping the team set franchise marks during their time as Maple Leafs.<\/p>\n

Still, after all the regular season success, Marner departed for the Golden Knights<\/a> this offseason in a sign-and-trade that saw him sign an eight-year deal worth $96 million \u2013 a move that turned Leafs Nation upside down.<\/p>\n

For Matthews and the Maple Leafs, however, the changes made to the organization don\u2019t change the ultimate goal \u2013 of finding a way to win come playoff time.<\/p>\n

Matthews, Maple Leafs are Full Steam Ahead<\/p>\n

As for Matthews and his approach to the upcoming season, the loss of a 100-point linemate hasn\u2019t changed the way that Matthews is preparing for October\u2019s season debut.<\/p>\n

\u201cFeeling good, a lot of changes, but feeling excited about the guys we brought in and obviously excited about the guys that we have,\u201d said the second-year captain. \u201cI know we have a great team and great group of guys in the locker room, so looking forward to getting started. Guys are going to have to take some steps, but I think that\u2019s a good thing, a good problem to have, so really looking forward to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Related: How the Marner-Babcock Incident Sparked a Culture Shift in Hockey<\/a><\/p>\n

Matthews is coming off a season in which he battled injuries finishing the season with the lowest goal total of his career, 33, and 78 points in 67 games. He, obviously, expects more from himself, but the expectation will be on other players like Matthew Knies<\/a>, Bobby McMann and Max Domi to step up and help fill the void left by Marner.<\/p>\n

Maple Leafs\u2019 Approach is Focusing on Now<\/p>\n

Matthews noted that while his approach to the season won\u2019t change in terms of his preparation, the mentality of the Maple Leafs will have to be taking it one day at a time \u2013 which seems easier said than done. Still, with an 82-game regular season ahead of them, they can\u2019t be looking too far ahead with the Atlantic Division slowly becoming one of the most competitive in hockey.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith camp and everything, and obviously we\u2019ve got a lot of changes like I said, but I don\u2019t think the mindset really changes,\u201d Matthews stated, closing out his answer. \u201cHave to be focused, be willing to obviously do whatever it takes to win. Obviously a hard league to win in, and for us, it\u2019s not getting too far ahead of ourselves, too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"AustonMay 16, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) shoots and scores against the Florida Panthers during the third period in game six of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Maple Leafs are going to be in tough this season with teams like the Ottawa Senators and Montreal Canadiens taking steps towards contention in 2024-25. While the hole vacated by Marner this offseason is a big one, for now, it seems that Matthews is entering the new year with the right mindset \u2013 at least from what he\u2019s saying.<\/p>\n

Now, it\u2019ll be time for the rest of the team to buy-in and, as Matthews put it, do whatever it takes to win. After all, there were frustrations when Sam Bennett took out Anthony Stolarz<\/a> in the playoffs last season. But that was Bennett doing whatever it took to get his team the win \u2013 even if it meant teetering the line.<\/p>\n

As Matthews stated, one day at a time and staying present is the only way the Maple Leafs will find extended success in 2025-26.<\/p>\n

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