Auston Matthews needed some room to breathe. The Maple Leafs were picking up the pieces following their worst season in a decade — and his career. A transformative summer was on the horizon. Now having watched those seismic shifts across the organization from afar, Toronto’s captain is all-in ahead of the new season. Matthews spoke to the media Wednesday as the Original Six franchise opened training camp with physicals, and gave general manager John Chayka a thumbs up after his frantic 19-week sprint since taking charge in May. “My intent was always to be here,” said the star centre, who has two years left on his contract. “The way things finished last year — (former GM Brad Treliving) gets fired before the season’s over, there’s a lot of incoming change — you never really know who’s coming in, what their plan is, what they think. “It was just to take a step back and see what happens and have the open lines of communication with whoever was hired.” Coming off surgery to repair a serious knee injury, Matthews said Chayka made “some great changes” to a roster that now includes two-time Stanley Cup winner Sergei Bobrovsky in goal, defenceman Darren Raddysh, a rebuilt bottom-6 forward group and No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna, along with new head coach Jim Hiller. “I really like what he’s done,” Matthews said. “Brought in some great people, some great players, great outside hires … super positive, great energy at the rink.” The Maple Leafs, who finished last in the Atlantic Division in 2025-26 with just 78 points, will need Matthews back somewhere much closer to the 60-goal mark he’s twice reached — including an eye-popping 69 registered in 2023-24 — to get back in Eastern Conference playoff race. Matthews’ health “He’s full-go, 100 per cent,” Chayka said. “My message to fans is just enjoy it. There’s a lot of talk about him and his contractual status … one day he won’t be a Toronto Maple Leaf. Hopefully that ends with retirement. But ultimately being able to have the privilege of working with him and watching him — not only on the ice, but off the ice — it’s a great honour. “We’re excited to link arms with him and walk side-by-side as we try to accomplish our goal.” Hiller, who has a history with Matthews from his time as a Mike Babcock assistant in Toronto, said he’s had some good conversations with the club’s talisman since getting hired in June. “As excited as he’s been in my time talking to him,” said the former Los Angeles Kings bench boss. “I’ve really appreciated where our relationship is today, how it’s grown over the years, and he gives me confidence right now when I speak with him. I don’t know what exactly that looks like or what (goal) number that translates into. “But when you talk to your captain and your captain instils confidence in you, then I would say you’re in a pretty good place.” McKenna on expectations Toronto is also in a good place when it comes to McKenna after luck fell its way. The 18-year-old will be living with veteran centre John Tavares and his family as the teenager navigates his first NHL campaign in hockey’s biggest media ecosystem. “Expectations are going to be higher,” said McKenna, sat beside a pair of fellow No. 1 picks in Matthews and Tavares on Wednesday. “It’s a good motivator coming to a market like this where you know the eyes are on you and you’re going to hear if you’re playing bad. “It’s something I’ve learned to deal with over the last few years.” Matthews knows that microscope well as both he and his team look to rebound on the heels of last season’s stunning 30-point drop in the standings. “A frustrating year,” he said. “We’ve had a lot of time to think about it … going into this year feeling as good as possible. New group of guys, a lot of new people. “Exciting to come to the rink and have that energy, have that excitement again.” Sick bay Chayka said forward Max Domi failed his physical following complications from off-season surgery and is out indefinitely, while defenceman Morgan Rielly has a viral condition that isn’t expected to impact his regular-season availability. Fellow blueliner Chris Tanev is ready to go after being limited to just 11 games with various injuries in 2025-26. Staying put Chayka was asked about Matthews Knies — a unique, big-body winger — whose name keeps popping up in trade rumours. Toronto’s GM said discussions involving previous the management group could be the reason. “We’ve been consistent with Matthew that he’s an important part of our team,” Chayka said. “As we think about winning games when it matters, the ability to have players that are good on the walls, good net-front, can play a physical game, finish checks, but also have the talent and skill level to make plays and score goals. “Pretty hard to find.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2026. Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press
