In Photos: Leafs' Auston Matthews, John Tavares and other NHLers take to ice in Muskoka ahead of training camp

By Evan Bell

Modified Aug 24, 2024 18:18 GMT

Newly-minted Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews and several other of the team's stars and prospects all linked up in Muskoka leading up to the start of the 2024–25 NHL season.

With training camp set to open soon, several Leafs' players, such as Matthews, former captain John Tavares, and several prospects, all attended the Muskoka Hockey camp.

The Muskoka camp was also attended by 2024 Stanley Cup winner Brandon Montour and Sabres defenseman Owen Power.

Several photos from the camp were shared on Instagram, showcasing the star-studded lineup of players who were in attendance at this year's camp in Bracebridge, Ontario:

The camp was founded by NHL veteran Sam Gagner, who spent time with the Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate, the Marlies, during the 2018–19 season. Since the camp's inception, players from around the league have elected to attend.

In years past, Tavares, who is from Mississauga, Ontario, but has a cottage in Muskoka, has hosted teammates who want to attend the camp and help bring the game to the next generation.

Looking at the 2024–25 NHL season ahead for Auston Matthews, John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs

Last season, the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs after a closely contested seven-game series with the Boston Bruins. In response, the team's front office, and more specifically, GM Brad Treliving, bolstered the roster for the season ahead.

The team made eight selections in this year's NHL draft, notably using their 31st pick acquired from Anaheim to select defenseman Ben Danford in the first round. The team also acquired Christopher Tanev in a massive six-year deal after a trade in late June.

At the same time, the team also signed Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a four-year contract in early July, bolstering their defensive lines for the season ahead. In addition, the team also extended Max Domi, signing the second-generation standout to a four-year deal, while also extending Joseph Woll for three years.

Then, earlier this month, the team named Auston Matthews the 26th captain in franchise history, making him the first US-born player to lead the team.

As we look ahead at the 2024–25 NHL season, the Maple Leafs currently have the second-best odds to win the Atlantic Division. According to FanDuel's live odds, the team sits in second place behind the Florida Panthers, with +290 odds to win the division.

Despite that and the team's offseason acquisitions, Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs are currently sitting in fifth place for Stanley Cup betting odds. Whether or not the team will be able to make it out of the first round of the playoffs in the first year of Matthews' captaincy, only time will tell.