Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews speaks to media at the start of training camp in Toronto on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sammy Kogan

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews reflects on Toronto’s off-season of change

Sep 16, 2026 | 10:22 AM

TORONTO — Auston Matthews wanted to take his time.

The Maple Leafs were coming off their worst season in a decade — and his career — and change was afoot.

Following a summer of seismic shifts across the organization, Toronto’s captain is all-in ahead of the new season.

Matthews spoke to the media Wednesday as the Original Six franchise opened training camp with physicals, and gave new general manager John Chayka a thumbs up after a frantic 19-week sprint since taking charge in May.