Auston Matthews calls Toronto home, says he feels healthy entering camp
The Maple Leafs captain is optimistic about his knee and a rebuilt roster as Toronto begins its first camp under GM John Chayka and coach Jim Hiller.
Auston Matthews said Toronto feels like home and that he enters training camp healthier than he has felt in years after knee surgery ended his 2025-26 season.
The Maple Leafs captain addressed his future and the club's extensive offseason changes in an interview with team host Ryan Leslie published Tuesday and reported by Sportsnet. Matthews has two seasons remaining on his contract.
Matthews said his ties to the organization, city and fan base remain important to him. He also described himself as the best he has felt in a long time and said he is motivated to return to his usual level.
His season ended in March after a knee-on-knee collision with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. NHL.com reported that Matthews sustained a grade 3 MCL tear and a quadriceps contusion in his left leg, underwent surgery and was given a 12-week recovery timeline. General manager John Chayka said this week that Matthews was close to fully ready for Toronto's first on-ice camp session.
The team around Matthews has changed significantly. Toronto hired Chayka as general manager, Mats Sundin as senior executive adviser and Jim Hiller as coach, while adding Sergei Bobrovsky, Nick Paul, Darren Raddysh, Teddy Blueger, Emil Andrae and first-overall pick Gavin McKenna.
Matthews said the newcomers have brought energy and strong personalities to the room, and he praised the alignment among Chayka, Sundin and Hiller.
Toronto opens its preseason Saturday against Montreal. The Maple Leafs also begin the regular season September 29 against the Canadiens.
