For Auston Matthews, the 2026-27 season represents a completely clean slate with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After battling the frustration of a down year by his standards, that all came to a head when he suffered a knee injury, forcing him to miss the end of the 2025-26 season. He heads into the 2026-27 season with a chance to put it all behind him and return to his previous form.
Matthews has a chance to return to previous form
With a new coaching staff taking the reins, led by Matthews’ former assistant coach Jim Hiller, and elite 2026 first-overall pick Gavin McKenna joining the fold. The pieces are falling into place for Matthews to return to his elite 60-goal form and make a real push for another Rocket Richard Trophy.
Hiller brings a fresh offensive scheme built around analytics that will favour Matthews in most offensive situations. Which should prioritize faster transition play and quicker puck movement through the zone. Rather than having to grind through set, clogged defences, Matthews should find himself getting high-danger looks in stride much more often.
Then there is the addition of McKenna. Adding a blue-chip playmaker of McKenna's caliber changes how opposing teams have to defend Toronto's top line. McKenna's high-end vision and ability to freeze defenders in tight space will naturally open up soft spots on the ice. That should allow Matthews to get more high-danger shots off, similar to how he did when he was playing alongside Mitch Marner.
The hope is that Matthews can get back to his previous form. But, more importantly, the changes that were made allow him to get back to being an offensive threat each time he is on the ice. That is where John Chayka should get some of the credit. He has brought in a new coach that Matthews is familiar with and is polar opposite to what Craig Berube was. Plus, the bottom-six additions that he made at the start of free agency will allow Matthews to only worry about offence and being the best player he can be.Â
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