One Key Figure is to Blame for Auston Matthews' Slow Start with the Maple Leafs

PUBLICATION

Chris Gerics
November 4, 2024 (1:23 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Auston Matthews has had the slowest start to his career, and it's starting to worry fans; but could his tepid production be due to head coach Craig Berube's plans?

With only five goals through the first 13 games and currently enduring one of the worst stretches of his entire career, Auston Matthews has looked very much unlike himself recently, with both fans and pundits worried that something is going on with the Maple Leafs' superstar:

There is someone to blame for Matthews' lack of offensive production thus far this season, and he's none other than the bench boss. Craig Berube has entrusted Auston Matthews to play a lot more defense as he preaches a full 200-foot game and this has led to fewer offensive opportunities given his added responsibility:

Compared to last season, Matthews is nearly adding ten minutes of added defensive ice time as well as over double the amount of defensive zone faceoffs. It shows that Berube's insistence on his players playing both ways, regardless if you're a superstar or not, can lead to some diminished production. Asking your goal-scoring phenom to not score so much and focus more on defense logically will lead to fewer goals over some time.

Toronto also needs to figure out their powerplay, and Matthews has been given loads of opportunities, but as is the case with the whole team; their powerplay is an utter failure. If Toronto even had a competent unit on the man advantage, Matthews could be at 10 goals this season while also playing that elite defense Berube wants. It's indicative of an underlying issue that's plagued the entire team, which is their lack of discipline.

Toronto's heavy reliance of Matthews on the PK isn't because Toronto has so much trust in him (though they definitely do), but because they don't have anyone else to kill penalties to the level of Matthews. Sure, William Nylander could be a new addition to the PK but just like his turn at center, if Craig Berube tries it, will it actually stick? He's desperate for more minutes, and Mitch Marner isn't necessarily the best PK option, GM Brad Treliving needs to find a true 3C who can kill penalties on the first line and give Matthews a break.

If Toronto wants the best out of Auston Matthews they need to pick up the slack then. He can't be doing everything out there, and it's up to the entire team to contribute when Matthews has other duties. His goal-scoring pace has slowed, and thanks to Craig Berube it looks to keep that way; whether or not the Maple Leafs and Matthews can adjust is a whole different story.