It’s been a long time coming but Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews finally set the record straight on the Mitch Marner trade. As the 2025-26 NHL season approaches, the leader in The Six issued an honest statement on the departure of his dynamic duo.
It wasn’t an easy decision for anybody involved in it. Yet, it made sense in more ways than one. The relationship between Marner and the Maple Leafs couldn’t go on like they it was. Though heartbreaking, both sides found relief once the trade call went through. Now, Marner will spend the next eight years of his NHL career with the Vegas Golden Knights.
What once felt like a match made in heaven had turned into hell on earth—or in Toronto. Matthews knew the move was going down, and so did everybody in the NHL, but its impact wasn’t any less severe because of it. Now, Matthews broke silence during the annual Hockey Night in Brampton charity game. It was the first time he addressed the media since the league landscape was shaken by the blockbuster trade.
“Oh man, right to it,” Matthews jokingly said as the first question was about Marner’s departure. “We’ll obviously miss him; he’s a great friend and teammate. That’s kind of the business side of it, that’s tough. Obviously, I wish him nothing but the best. Yeah, we’ll just keep it moving.”
Mitchell Marner #16 the Toronto Maple Leafs during practice at Tim Hortons Field on March 12, 2022 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Bring it on
The prospect of a Marner-less Leafs’ side is one that raises suspense and uncertainty in The Six. Still, the Buds can’t be found flat-footed when the 2025-26 NHL season comes around. It’s time for them to dive headfirst into the uncharted darkness, perhaps there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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Matthews noted that. As much as the Marner trade might sting, it led to a much-needed partial rebuild for the Maple Leafs. On that note, the captain voiced a sincere statement on his thoughts going into the upcoming season.
“I’m feeling good [about next season]. Obviously, a lot of changes, but excited about the guys we brought in and the guys that we have. I know we have a great team and great group of guys in the locker room. So, looking forward to kind of get started,” Matthews commented. “Guys that got to take some steps, but that’s a good problem to have. So, really look forward to it.”
Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs
Unchanged
While Toronto knows it must turn the page after yet another disappointing playoff elimination, Matthews knows better than to wipe away all the progress they’ve made. The Leafs are taking a “new season, same mindset” type approach into a do-or-die campaign.
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“I don’t think [we’ve changed our mindset]. I think going into every year we want to be focused, ready to compete from the get-go. With camp and everything, obviously we got a lot of changes, like I said. But I don’t think our mindset really changes,” the captain admitted.
“Got to be focused and willing to do whatever it takes to win. Obviously, it’s a hard league to win in. For us, it’s about not getting too far ahead of ourselves, just staying in the moment, and making sure we take care of today.”
