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After missing of the NHL Media tour in New York City this week because of the flu, Leafs center Auston Matthews took to the ice at the MasterCard Centre in Etobicoke, ON for the first time and spoke about his outlook for the upcoming season, his summer workout regimen, potential linemates and the club’s vacant captaincy.
Toronto made the playoffs for the first time since 2013 and gave the President’s Trophy winning Washington Capitals a run for their money in the first round, but the 19-year-old sophomore says the team cannot rest on their laurels.
"We had a decent season last year, but we haven't really accomplished anything, everyone is telling us how good we are, but we haven't done anything yet." Matthews said. “We’re a motivated group.
The 19-year-old worked hard on getting stronger after winning the Calder Trophy with 40 goals, in expectation of handling a greater workload this season.
Auston Matthews speaking with reporters after scrimmaging with teammates at MasterCard Centre on Friday. #Leafs pic.twitter.com/xlNb4AU2Ke
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) September 8, 2017
“(I worked) on getting more explosive, did some stuff to work on my upper body and posture, to prevent injuries in the future.… Matthews said. “(Pilates) was something the trainers wanted to see and I’m really happy I did it. I found a pretty good improvement in my flexibility and (did) a lot of core work. It’s a lot harder than I really expected, (but) I think it really paid off for me.…
With the opening of training camp less than a week away, there have been only hints of what Toronto’s line combinations will be. In a scrimmage on Thursday, newcomer Patrick Marleau was lined up with Nazem Kadri and Leo Komarov, but there continues to be speculation that the veteran winger will be patrolling the left side with Matthews.
“Nobody has told me anything (about line assignments) and I don’t think anybody has told him anything. Obviously (Marleau) is a really good addition to our team, as well as Dominic Moore and Ron Hainsey, so we’re excited to have some veteran guys here.…
Auston Matthews back on the ice at MCC. #Leafs open their rookie tournament tonight at Ricoh Coliseum. pic.twitter.com/zvwZbtOmFX
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) September 8, 2017
Matthews was asked about the club’s vacant captaincy and indicated that GM Lou Lamoriello has not approached him about the position, which is consistent with statements made by Lamoriello and Mike Babcock at the end of last season that there is no reason to rush a decision.
“It’s not really my decision. If it’s brought upon me, than obviously it would be an honor.… Matthews said. “If not, I’m not going to change my personality or how I am at the rink. I’m still going to work hard and be myself every day. Whether I have a letter or not doesn’t make a difference…
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The Toronto Maple Leafs opened the 2017 Rookie Tournament with a 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens at Ricoh Coliseum on Friday. Martins Dzierkals and Jeremy Bracco scored for Toronto, who will finish the three-day tournament against the Ottawa Senators rookies on Sunday afternoon.
It was a rough debut for the top two picks of the 2017 Draft. First rounder Timothy Liljegren was on the ice for four Montreal goals and got caught flat-footed in his own zone and allowed Thomas Ebbing to walk around him for the opening goal.
Second rounder Eemeli Rasanen suffered an ankle injury in the first period and did not return.
Thomas Ebbing opens up the scoring making a nifty move before roofing it #Habs pic.twitter.com/KLDBYFjRTU
— Shayne Pasquino (@shaynepasquino) September 8, 2017
Toronto received solid goaltending from Kasimir Kaskisuo, who made two excellent pad saves to keep the margin at one. Dzierkals tied the game on a wrist shot after being set up by Vladimir Bobylev and on their first power play, Jeremy Bracco fired a shot through traffic to beat Habs goalie Michael McNevin to give Toronto the lead.
Will Bitten, Alexandre Alain, Ebbing’s second of the game and Daniel Audette scored in the third to give Montreal the comeback victory.
Defenseman Travis Dermott was not in the lineup on Friday due to an illness.
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