Toronto Maple Leafs: What to Expect from Auston Matthews This Season
By Oliver Smith
Flexibility
Finally, with the departure of Zach Hyman, Auston Matthews is going in to this season without a defined left winger.
It’s true that Head Coach Sheldon Keefe liked to rotate players alongside Matthews, but Hyman played with him far more than others.
There are options for Keefe, notably in the form of Nick Ritchie, Nick Robertson and possibly Michael Bunting.
What should be expected of Matthews is that he continues to be flexible with his linemates because it will undoubtedly change throughout the course of the season.
There is even the chance that he gets reunited with William Nylander on occasion (although JT and Nylander looked very good together) and maybe even Alexander Kerfoot could see the odd couple of shifts with Matthews.
Next. Leafs Goalie, Defense, Management Grades for 2021. dark
No.34 has shown that he can play with anyone, so expect him to stay mobile, to be given a high number of shifts and be thrown in with everyone. Matthews is destined for the top line, who makes it with him will be a revolving door – it then becomes a matter of who wants it most.
Verdict: Very Likely