Auston Matthews Confirms Injury Hampered Playoff Run

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews confirmed he played through an injury sustained in training camp that affected his performance throughout the 2024-25 season and playoffs, but he will not require offseason surgery and expects to recover fully with rest. Matthews missed 15 regular-season games and scored 33 goals, a significant decline from his previous season's 69 goals. In the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, he managed only 3 goals and 11 points in 13 games. The Maple Leafs lost their seventh consecutive Game 7, falling 6-1 to the Florida Panthers after relinquishing a 2-0 series lead. Analysts and coaches attributed his reduced output to his injury rather than effort, and Matthews also suffered a high-stick eye incident in Game 6. Despite a difficult season, Matthews remains optimistic about returning to full health for the next campaign.