Toronto on edge after Auston Matthews’ latest comments

When Auston Matthews says he’s healthy, Leafs Nation wants to believe him. But after his latest comments, it feels more like a wait-and-see situation than a reassurance in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs captain is coming off a frustrating 2023–24 season where he posted a career-low in goals and suited up for just 67 games due to injuries. Later, Matthews admitted he hadn’t been healthy from the start, even traveling to Germany to seek a second opinion on his condition. That revelation, combined with his underwhelming numbers, has fans on edge about what comes next.

Now, with Mitch Marner no longer in the fold, Matthews’ health matters more than ever. If the Leafs hope to return to the postseason with any chance of a deeper run, their captain must be at his best. That’s why eyebrows were raised when Matthews recently spoke to NHL.com about how he feels heading into camp:

“My health is good. I feel a lot better. I think I took really good steps this offseason as far as that goes, and so I’m really happy with that progress and happy with where I’m at.”

On paper, those sound like positive words. But the reaction on social media tells another story. Fans were quick to read between the lines, questioning whether Matthews is fully ready.

“Not sure I like everything he said there. Improved but not 100%. Still think it’s a bad back and only surgery can fix it. My scary thought is after the Olympics he’s out, and then gets the surgery then and misses the playoffs,” posted a fan.

“Hmm doesn’t sound 100% to me,” questioned one.

“Not exactly the words I was hoping to hear from #34,” posted another fan.

I believe that skepticism is fair. After all, Toronto’s playoff chances hinge more on Matthews’ health than anything else. A half-speed captain won’t carry them through the grind of an 82-game season and beyond.

For now, the message is clear: Matthews says he feels good, but until he proves it on the ice, fans will remain cautious. And given how much Toronto needs him, cautious might not be cautious enough.