Matthews thrilled with Sundin’s special appearance to recognize goals record

Former Toronto Maple Leafs player Mats Sundin, left, presents Auston Matthews (34) with artwork to recognize him on becoming the all-time franchise leader in goals prior to first period NHL hockey action against the Florida Panthers in Toronto on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

TORONTO — The fact that Mats Sundin flew from Sweden to Toronto to help honour Auston Matthews’ accomplishment of becoming the Maple Leafs franchise leader in goals scored tugged on the current captain’s heartstrings.

Matthews passed the former captain with two goals on the road against the New York Islanders on Saturday and added another with Sundin watching live in the Maple Leafs 4-1 win against the defending Stanley Cup-champion Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday.

Sundin was part of a pre-game ceremony to honour Matthews, moments after the recent passing of four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Maple Leafs, 89-year-old Bob Pulford, was also acknowledged with a scoreboard tribute.

“All of it means a lot,” the 28-year-old Matthews said. “It’s special to wear this jersey. It’s an absolute honour. And you know, to have Mats come in, to have so many players before us that have paved the way and worn this jersey is very special, and I’m very appreciative.”

The Hockey Hall of Famer Sundin scored 420 goals in 981 games with Toronto, while Matthews managed his 422nd in his 665th outing.

“I thought it would take a few more years, but he’s a great goal scorer,” Sundin said with a smile. “Kidding aside, records are made to be broken, and what a treat for the Maple Leafs fan base to have a superstar like Auston, one of the league’s absolute premier players and an even better person.

“He’s a great leader. The way he handles the hardest hockey market in Toronto, representing the Maple Leafs. He does it with grace, and I’m very glad for him.”

Toronto fourth-line centre Scott Laughton, who played 3:10 of the final 4:02 in the Maple Leafs’ latest victory, grew up a Toronto fan. He always enjoys meeting alumni like Sundin.

“It’s cool seeing them on the ice and being around,” Laughton said. “You see the guys around, like Darcy (Tucker), that’s what it’s all about. That’s what makes the organization what it is. And it’s special.”

Beating the champs

This was the Panthers’ first trip back to Toronto since they demolished the Maple Leafs 6-1 in Game 7 of the second round of playoffs on May 18.

The Maple Leafs have claimed both meetings this season.

“You create rivals against these teams, playing them in the playoffs last year,” Toronto head coach Craig Berube said. “Similar to when Ottawa (Senators) came in here (on Dec. 27). Those games are intense, and they’re going to be intense.

“We know that when you play Florida, you’ve got to match their physicality. You know how they’re coming at you all night, right? That’s the way they play.”

Toronto of Florida?

Super-pest Brad Marchand did not play in the third period. He was kept out for “precautionary reasons,” although he appeared to be walking around with no difficulty after the game.

He revealed earlier in the day that he considered signing as a free agent with the Maple Leafs last summer.

“It was between Florida and Toronto where I was going to go. I never thought it was going to be possible to re-sign with Florida. I really didn’t.“

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 7, 2026.

Tim Wharnsby, The Canadian Press