TORONTO – Auston Matthews wanted to take his time.
The Maple Leafs were coming off their worst season in a decade — and his career — and change was afoot.
Following a summer of seismic shifts across the organization, Toronto’s captain is all-in ahead of the new season.
-
![]()
Toronto Maple Leaf fans react to regular season ticket prices -
![]()
Toronto season seat holders face uncertainty in Ontario with Doug Ford’s ticket resale legislation -
![]()
Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for first round draft pick -
![]()
Toronto Marlies celebrate Calder Cup win -
![]()
Big changes are coming to the Toronto Maple Leafs -
![]()
Toronto Maple Leafs win the NHL draft lottery -
![]()
Toronto Maple Leafs franchise legend Mats Sundin returns as senior advisor to new GM John Chayka -
![]()
MLSE defends new management hires during Toronto Maple Leafs press conference -
![]()
Blue Jays buzz lifts Toronto economy amid Leafs disappointment -
![]()
Toronto Maple Leafs hold state of the union amid middle of winless skid
Matthews spoke to the media Wednesday as the Original Six franchise opened training camp with physicals, and gave new general manager John Chayka a thumbs up after a frantic 19-week sprint since taking charge in May.
Get breaking National news
The star centre, coming off surgery to repair a serious knee injury, says the GM has made “some great changes” to a roster that now includes two-time Stanley Cup winner Sergei Bobrovsky in goal, defenceman Darren Raddysh and No. 1 overall pick Gavin McKenna, along with head coach Jim Hiller.
The Maple Leafs, who finished last in the Atlantic Division in 2025-26 with just 78 points, open the regular season Sept. 29 at home against the Montreal Canadiens.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 16, 2026.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.