Auston Matthews and William Nylander of the Toronto Maple Leafs (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)
Auston Matthews has been a key player for the Toronto Maple Leafs since he was drafted. He continues to be a driving force as the team pushes toward the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. His unique skill set and ability to take over games make him a vital asset for the team’s future.
What makes Matthews one of the most critical players in the NHL? Why is he the tipping point in terms of the team’s success or failure during the postseason?
Reason One: Matthews Brings Elite Scoring Ability
Matthews is one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the NHL today. Over the past few seasons, he’s been a consistent offensive force, racking up an impressive 69 goals during the 2023-24 regular season. Yet, despite some early-season injuries this year, he’s starting to regain his scoring mojo. In a recent four-game stretch, he scored four goals, including two against the Calgary Flames on St. Patrick’s Day.
He can score in a variety of ways. On the power play, his quick release can flat-out beat a goalie. At the same time, he can use his exceptional on-ice vision to get into the right spot at the right time. That makes him a lethal threat every time he’s on the ice.
Reason Two: Matthews Has a Knack for Game-Defining Moments
Matthews has a knack for delivering at the right time. He’s had multiple game-changing performances during his career, and this season is no different. Against the Flames, Matthews recorded a three-point period, marking his 11th career three-point period and his 36th multi-goal period, the most in Maple Leafs history. That’s not 36 multiple-goal games – that’s 36 multiple-goal periods. That’s a fantastic statistic.
His patience on the power play allows him to complete precise shots. Recently, he rocketed the puck over Flames goaltender Dustin Wolf’s shoulder. Not only did the score show Matthews’ skill, but it also showed his high hockey IQ. He’s also reshaping his game to include a more 200-foot presence and stronger playmaking ability. That gives him even more chances to show up during clutch moments.
Reason Three: Matthews Has Created Offensive Chemistry with Teammates
Matthews has undeniable chemistry with his teammates. He has a unique “thing” with Mitch Marner. However, during one recent power-play goal, he showed that he and William Nylander are also growing an on-ice chemistry. Nylander fed Matthews a perfect pass after a blocked shot, highlighting their more seamless connection.
Matthews’ ability to read the play and take quick advantage of chances has become a key part of the Maple Leafs’ offensive success. His quick thinking and powerful shot make him a constant threat when carrying the puck and as a finisher. This doesn’t even begin to note his ability to blend the talents of a young Matthew Knies into the Maple Leafs’ equation. It’s tough to imagine that Knies doesn’t owe his next big contract, at least partly, to his first-line relationship with Matthews.
Reason Four: Matthews Has Shown Leadership at the Right Time
As the Maple Leafs close in on the playoffs, Matthews is stepping up at the right time. With the team fighting for the top spot in the Atlantic Division against the Florida Panthers, his timely scoring and leadership are crucial. His ability to continue these performances will determine the team’s success when the postseason begins.
Despite the elite nature of the Maple Leafs’ offense, Matthews must still prove he can handle pressure and become a reliable leader when the stakes are highest. That could be this season. There’s no doubt he’s been emerging into the role.
Reason Five: Matthews Can Become the Maple Leafs’ Ultimate Playoff Asset
For the Maple Leafs to finally make a deep playoff run and contend for the Stanley Cup, Matthews must continue to be the player he’s proven to be. He needs to become a goal-scoring machine who takes over postseason games. His defensive skills are quickly improving. But his strong play, especially in the crucial final stretch of the season, could pull the Maple Leafs to more significant success.
As the playoffs begin, Matthews’ scoring touch, leadership, and dynamic play style will make him not just a top player on the Maple Leafs but one of the most feared opponents in the NHL.
The Bottom Line: Matthews’ Impact on the Maple Leafs Is Profound
Matthews’s offensive talent, leadership, and consistency make him a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs’ regular-season success. As the team gears up for a postseason push, he has proven he has a more complete game than ever. He can still score goals and lead the charge during the regular season. When it counts during the playoffs, could this be the Stanley Cup run fans have been waiting for?
If Matthews can continue this strong play, there’s no doubt that the Maple Leafs will be a playoff force. Perhaps this is the year they finally break through to a Stanley Cup victory. One way or another, it’s on Matthews’ shoulders.
