Auston Matthews drops amazing quote regarding Reaves, Bertuzzi and Domi
On the first official day of Maple Leafs training camp, the focus of the day is not on-ice sessions, which begin tomorrow. Instead, today is about team physicals and media sessions.
Auston Matthews was one of the first Leafs to meet with the media on Wednesday, just a few weeks after signing his lucrative 4-year extension. Thankfully, since the extension is done and out of the way, his contract status won't be the primary focus throughout camp. Obviously, the same can't be said for William Nylander, but that's a conversation for another time.
Matthews had touched on Sheldon Keefe's extension on Wednesday, revealing that he enjoys playing under the young 5th-year coach. He also briefly touched on the GM change and spoke about his offseason training with teammate Matthew Knies. However, it was Matthews' comments about the additions of Ryan Reaves, Tyler Bertuzzi and Max Domi that really struck a chord with me.
When asked about the new trio of feisty forwards, Matthews had this to say:
The one thing this tells me is that Matthews knows that no matter who he's playing with this season, someone is going to have his back. Obviously, I doubt we'll see much of Matthews with Reaves this year, as Reavo is likely a 4th line staple when in the lineup, but we could see Matthews skating with either of Domi or Bertuzzi at various points throughout the season. While Domi and Bertuzzi aren't necessarily enforcers by any stretch of the imagination, both have shown a willingness to drop the gloves in defense of a teammate. They're also premium agitators, which means that if someone is trying to get under Matthews' skin, they won't hesitate to grab a body in the ensuing scrum.
Matthews is a big boy in his own right. At 6'3, 210 lbs, I'm sure he isn't too intimidated by anyone. Having said that, he doesn't go out there looking for trouble. Will that change now that Bertuzzi, Domi and Reaves are in the lineup? Matthews may never be a fighter, but he may feel a little bit bigger with those 3 guys watching over his shoulder.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 20 | 263 ANSWERS Auston Matthews drops amazing quote regarding Reaves, Bertuzzi and Domi Will Auston Matthews play with more of a chip on his shoulder this season knowing that Bertuzzi, Reaves and Domi are around? | ||
| Definitely | 150 | 57 % |
| No, not at all | 31 | 11.8 % |
| He's paid to score, not to be scrappy | 82 | 31.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
