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Auston Matthews Discusses Mitch Marner’s Maple Leafs Departure
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews broke his silence on Mitch Marner‘s departure. This marks Matthews’ first public comments since Marner joined the Vegas Golden Knights on Jun. 30.
The Golden Knights acquired Marner through a sign-and-trade with Toronto, sending center Nicolas Roy to the Maple Leafs. The deal allowed Vegas to lock in Marner on an eight-year deal. It also ensured Toronto didn’t lose one of their top players for nothing.
Matthews addressed Marner’s departure during the Hockey Night in Brampton charity event. The Leafs captain wished his former teammate well in the next chapter of his career with the Golden Knights.
“We’ll obviously miss him. He’s a great friend, great teammate,” Matthews told reporters. “That’s kind of the business side of it. That’s tough, but obviously I wish him nothing but the best. and yeah, we’ll just keep it moving.”
Marner, 28, leaves his hometown Maple Leafs following a strong season. He led the Leafs with 102 points during the 2024-25 season, setting a new career high.
Auston Matthews Shares Thoughts on Maple Leafs Roster Post-Mitch Marner
Matthews also shared his thoughts on Toronto’s offseason roster moves following Marner’s departure.
General manager Brad Treliving was active in the trade and free agent markets. The additional cap space gave him more flexibility to retool the roster and address other areas of need.
Speaking with reporters at Hockey Night in Brampton, Matthews expressed excitement for the new additions and upcoming NHL season.
“A lot of changes, but feeling excited about the guys we brought in, and obviously excited about the guys that we have,” Matthews said. “I know we have a great team and great group of guys in the locker room, so looking forward to getting started.”
He also acknowledged that internal growth within the roster will make for a competitive environment.
“Guys are going to have to take some steps, but I think that’s a good thing, a good problem to have, so really looking forward to it.”
Matthews Explains Mentality for 2025-26 NHL Season
Matthews made it clear that expectations remain high heading into the 2025-26 season. The Maple Leafs are still chasing postseason success after another disappointing playoff exit.
Toronto’s 2024-25 playoff run ended with a 6-1 blowout loss to the Florida Panthers. The Panthers went on to win the Stanley Cup, while the Leafs suffered an embarrassing defeat on home ice.
In his media scrum, Matthews emphasized the importance of that mentality in helping navigate the highs and lows that come with an 82 game season.
“Every year, going into it, I wanna be focused, wanna be ready, ready to compete from the get go,” Matthews said. “I don’t think the mindset really changes. It’s we got to be focused, got to be willing to obviously do whatever it takes to win, it’s obviously a hard league to win in.”
He added that the team need to collectively remain present and disciplined:
“For us, it’s not getting too far ahead of ourselves too, staying in the moment, making sure we just take care of the day.”
Giancarlo Aulino Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and York United FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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