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"Get a little bit cocky"- Former Leafs star urges Auston Matthews to play more physically in upcoming season
Former Toronto Maple Leafs player Jay Rosehill has called on Auston Matthews to play more physically in the 2024-25 NHL season. In an episode of "Leafs' Morning Take" with Nick Alberga, Rosehill discussed Matthews' impressive goal-scoring ability and suggested areas for improvement.
In the podcast, Alberga asked Rosehill what he expected and wanted to see from Matthews this season. He replied:
"More of the same, obviously, with the goal scoring. He's one of the best in the world at scoring goals. You want to have a nice campaign and follow up a huge season with another one and show that I'm not streaky, I'm consistent, and I am always this good."
Matthews scored 69 goals last season, leading the NHL and matching a record set by Mario Lemieux in 1995-96. However, Rosehill believes Matthews can elevate his game further by adding a physical edge.
"But other factors, too, like his leadership to be able to get the team on his back, to lead by example. Setups, too, and getting the assists as well. Being a well-rounded player, I'd like to see him get a little bit physical, get a little bit chirpy out there, get a little bit cocky, tell the whole bench to fu** them like, you know what I mean? And just have that little swagger like, 'oh, my God, this guy is controlling everything.'"
Auston Matthews signed a $58,196,000 contract last year with an annual average salary of $11,634,000. So, there's a lot of expectations from him. After the Leafs' first-round exit in the playoffs last season, much has changed. Now, it is high time for Matthews and the Leafs to make a deep run in playoffs.
Auston Matthews named to Team USA's roster for 2025 4 Nations Face-Off
Auston Matthews was one of the first six players selected by Team USA for the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off in February. Team USA boasts the NHL's leading goal scorer from the 2023-24 season.
The other five are Jack Eichel (Vegas Golden Knights) and Matthew Tkachuk (Florida Panthers), and defensemen Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins), Adam Fox (New York Rangers) and Quinn Hughes (Vancouver Canucks).
Matthews' 69 goals made him a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, given to the NHL's top player as voted by the players. He finished third in voting for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the league's top defensive forward.
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