Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews feeling stronger and healthier ahead of 2025-26 NHL season | NHL News
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has provided a welcome update for fans, saying he is entering the 2025-26 season in much better health. After battling nagging injuries last year, Matthews told NHL.com’s Nicholas J. Cotsonika that he feels stronger, healthier, and optimistic about the months ahead. For Leafs Nation, that comes as encouraging news following a season where their star forward had to manage pain and missed stretches of play.
Auston Matthews provides positive health update ahead of 2025-26 NHL season
Speaking with Cotsonika, Matthews opened up about his offseason progress. “My health is good,” Matthews said. “I feel a lot better. I think I took really good steps this offseason as far as that goes, and so I’m really happy with that progress and happy with where I’m at.”The update should ease concerns for fans, considering Matthews endured a challenging 2024-25 campaign. Injured in training camp, he never disclosed the exact issue but required overseas treatment in Munich to manage it. While he avoided surgery, the injury limited him to 67 games, where he posted 78 points, solid numbers, but below his usual elite pace.
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews focused on new NHL season and 2026 Winter Olympics
General manager Brad Treliving had previously emphasized that the team carefully managed Matthews’ workload, never pushing him to worsen the injury. With the offseason behind him, Matthews now shifts focus to leading the Leafs into another playoff push while also preparing for international duty.The 27-year-old captained the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off, reaching the final before falling to Canada in overtime. While the loss still stings, Matthews views the upcoming Winter Olympics in February as another chance to prove Team USA’s strength. “It’s tough… it’s a game of inches,” Matthews admitted, adding that the setback fuels his motivation.A fully healthy Auston Matthews is vital for both the Maple Leafs and Team USA. Entering the new season stronger and more confident, he will look to bounce back from last year’s challenges and reestablish himself among the NHL’s most dominant players. For Leafs Nation, his return to full form could make all the difference in a pivotal 2025-26 campaign.Also Read: Could Calgary Flames defenseman Rasmus Andersson be the answer to the Boston Bruins’ blueline needs?
