2025-26 Toronto Maple Leafs General Discussion

[Andy007]

That makes sense.

I’m trying not to lose faith in Matthews, but I feel sometimes we’re chasing a mirage. Like he hit his ceiling and we’re never going to see that again.

Not the greatest example, but something like lecavalier. He kept getting chances because there was this hope that hit his highs again… if that makes any sense.

I do feel like there was a point, maybe 2-3 years ago, where Matthews was started to look like an elite, prototypical centre. His back checking and defensive prowess/confidence was really showing and he was grinding in corners, taking people off the puck at both ends of the ice. It definitely seems, to me at least, that this un-defined ailment that arose the last few years has to be taking some sort of toll on him.

 

[Guilt Trip]

That makes sense.

I’m trying not to lose faith in Matthews, but I feel sometimes we’re chasing a mirage. Like he hit his ceiling and we’re never going to see that again.

Not the greatest example, but something like lecavalier. He kept getting chances because there was this hope that hit his highs again… if that makes any sense.

I think his back is messed up and with his commitment to the 200ft game, his totals will go down. Now with 16 gone the task is even greater because he has even more responsibilities on the D side where he never had to worry about with 16.

 

[Chris]

I've always been against stacking the top line but...I find myself wondering if Berube should just put Nylander with Matthews and adjust the rest of the lines and see what happens. Nylander is already spending a lot of time there anyway. It doesn't look like Matthews has the ability at this point to drive a line by himself, whether due to injury, wear and tear, mental issues, whatever. Maybe putting the two of them together would be a case where they produce more together than their two lines do separately, or maybe it rejuvenates Matthews.

If it's a nagging injury then it is what it is and none of this really matters.