Insiders Raise Red Flags About Matthews and Maple Leafs: “It’s a Problem”

The Toronto Maple Leafs have struggled out of the gate in the 2025–26 season, leaving everyone wondering what’s gone wrong with a team expected to be a contender. Everyone understood their might be some growing pains with the loss of a major star and the roster turnover this summer, but what’s happening with Toronto’s 5-5-1 start has led to nervousness.

---

“Losing Mitch Marner seems more penal than anybody thought, “said former GM Brian Lawton. “There hasn’t been as many bright spots as we might have seen in the past. I’m nervous for Toronto this year.” He added that there is a lot of work to get this group to where they want to be as an organization.

Among the key concerns is the start of Auston Matthews.

Despite ranking first in 5-on-5 goals since his NHL debut, Matthews has managed just one 5-on-5 goal this season and only six since February 1, a rate that ranks 250th in the league.

Toronto Maple Leafs insider Jonas Siegel of The Athletic suggested that Matthews may still be grappling with physical issues from last season. “Matthews has been less productive so far than even last season when he played hurt from training camp,” Siegel wrote. “One possibility is that Matthews still isn’t all the way back physically. The speed and power he used to have through the neutral zone isn’t so overwhelming these days.”

Siegel, like Lawton, believes the loss of Marner is playing a role and has significantly affected Matthews’ offensive and defensive production.

The most pointed criticism came from Nick Kypreos. “Auston Matthews is not working hard. He doesn’t work hard.” He added, “I don’t know what it is, if it’s waiting for his talent to kick in.” Kypreos wondered if Matthews might be in a small window right now where he just doesn’t have the energy or enthusiasm to come to the rink and be the best he can be.

Is Matthews Disengaged?

Matthews often appears disengaged. If he’s experiencing a slight dip in enthusiasm or motivation, that’s a big concern for the Maple Leafs.

Coach Craig Berube weighed in after a lopsided loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, emphasizing that Toronto’s struggles weren’t just about individual play. “We were complicating the game at times tonight. We got burned on it. We forced pucks when we didn’t need to and turned them over. They capitalized on their opportunities,” Berube said. “More than anything, that is what it boils down to. I felt like we were disconnected at times, getting through the neutral zone. It cost us.”

In other words, the Leafs aren’t working hard enough on the simple things and are trying to do too much without putting in the proper effort.

How concerned should the organization be? If Matthews and some of the players have folded their hands this early in the season and aren’t prepared to do the dirty work to dig themselves out of the hole they find themselves in, what chances do they have when it comes time to win in the playoffs?

Next: Canucks’ Leading Goal Scorer a Target for Oilers Over Former Star?