Former Leaf Makes a Bold Statement About Auston Matthews' Leadership Abilities

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Aaron Itovitch
February 7, 2023 (9:08)

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Auston Matthews had a dynamic entry into the league.

It's not often that a rookie comes in and scores four goals in their debut. While he couldn't quite keep up that pace, he has now scored 60 goals in a season, and he has cemented himself as one of the best players in the league.

On the polar opposite end of the NHL, Matt Martin, former teammate of Matthews, has never seen much out of a fourth-line role. He is brilliant at it, and he has found himself a great niche in the league, but he isn't the franchise player type.

Martin shared his stance on Auston Matthews with Jonas Siegel of The Athletic, and Leafs fans should be very happy:

Speaking on the maturity Matthews held as an 18-year-old, it is safe to see an underlying message here - Auston Matthews is captain material.

He had leadership qualities the first day he stepped in that locker room. As a fourth line guy and somebody that plays a completely different game from him, he just always appreciated what I think everybody brought to the table.

We'll see where the future takes Matthews, whether it's staying in Toronto, or heading down South back home. Either way, we have a feeling there's a captaincy on the horizon!

Source Maple Leafs Daily:
Former Leaf pumps Auston Matthews' tires ahead of his highly anticipated return to the lineup