Auston Matthews on personal milestones ''I couldn't really care less''; 34 wants to win, above all else
Coming off of a 60-goal, 106-point campaign, the talk around Auston Matthews this summer was mostly about whether he would sign an extension in Toronto even though he isn't eligible to sign one until July 1, 2023. The back-to-back Rocket Richard winner and reigning league MVP made it very clear opening day of training camp that he wasn't going to discuss that at all this season. He wants to do one thing and one thing only; play hockey.
Matthews is currently only on pace for 35 goals this season, but he was off to a slow start last year as well before scoring 51 goals in 50 games - yes it tracks, Oilers fans. Many predicted Matthews to run away with a third straight Rocket Richard this season and be the first Leaf to ever score 70 in a season, something that Jonas Siegel of The Athletic asked Matthews about recently. According to Matthews, the personal accolades and stats are not what's most important to him.
"I mean, we have one goal and that's obviously to win. I couldn't really give a sh-t whatever everybody else out there thinks about hit this, hit that, like, I just want to win... so I couldn't really care less. I feel like I know what I'm capable of and I want to continue to get better and grow as a player and as a leader on this team. But I mean, in the end, we're judged off of wins and I mean, I just want to win. So, whatever it takes," replied Matthews when Siegel asked him about bettering his numbers from last season.
Matthews has made it very clear that he wants to do whatever he can to help the Leafs win and he has shown that in his play without the puck. He has become one of the best two-way forwards in the game the past couple of seasons being in the top 5 in takeaways and Keefe has entrusted him in critical situations more and more. Not only that, but Matthews has also ramped up his physical play and is on pace to shatter his previous career best in hits. With Matthews wanting to win, there is certainly pressure on the Leafs this season and next to make it past the first round of the playoffs because the chances of keeping Matthews in Toronto long-term increase if the Leafs look like they have a real chance to win.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 10 | 221 ANSWERS Auston Matthews on personal milestones ''I couldn't really care less''; 34 wants to win, above all else Where will Matthews finish in terms of scoring this season? | ||
| 100 points or more | 87 | 39.4 % |
| 85-99 points | 82 | 37.1 % |
| 75-84 points | 26 | 11.8 % |
| Less than 75 points | 26 | 11.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
