Toronto Maple Leafs: The Exit Interviews Part One: The Players

MONTREAL, QC - MAY 24: Joe Thornton #97 of the Toronto Maple Leafs screens goaltender Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the first period in Game Three of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 24, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MAY 24: Joe Thornton #97 of the Toronto Maple Leafs screens goaltender Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens during the first period in Game Three of the First Round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on May 24, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Montreal Canadiens 2-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
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Toronto Maple Leafs, Mitch Marner
TORONTO, ON – MAY 27: Auston Matthews #34 and Mitchell Marner #16 of the Toronto Maple Leafs  (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews only scored one goal in the seven game series against the Montreal Canadiens. Here is his reply when asked about his lack of production. “I hold myself to a high standard. Not being able to produce is frustrating and we weren’t able to get it done.”

Here is Matthews reply when asked about Marner. “In this room, everybody loves Mitch.”

He was also asked about Hyman, and Andersen. “I can’t say enough good things about the both of them. We’d love to have both back.”

William Nylander

In my opinion, William Nylander was the best forward in round one against the Canadiens. Here is what he had to say on the first round exit. “It really hits you hard. I don’t like this feeling.”

Jack Campbell

Jack Campbell has to be one of the biggest surprises for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. He won his first 11 games of the season to set a new NHL record and basically stole the net from Andersen.

Here is what he had to say on his 2020-21 season. “I thought it was a step in the right direction, but I know I can be better.”

These NHL playoffs were a first for Campbell as the starting goaltender. Here what he had to say regarding the playoffs. “To win in the playoffs, I have to be dialed in every game, but overall, it was a great learning lesson.”

I think Campbell has more than earned the right to be the Toronto Maple Leafs starting goaltender next season.