Mats Sundin doesn't mince words about Auston Matthews beating his Leafs franchise all-time goals record

By ARJUN B

Modified Sep 26, 2024 05:37 GMT

The Toronto Maple Leafs' all-time leading goal scorer Mats Sundin has weighed in on young superstar Auston Matthews' pursuit of his franchise record.

With 420 career goals for the Leafs, Sundin sits atop the franchise list. Matthews is currently at 368 goals and looks to surpass the mark very soon.

When asked about Matthews potentially breaking his record, Sundin was complimentary and supportive.

"It's nothing I really think about obviously," Sundin remarked. "But I thought my 13 with the Leafs were the most fun of my professional career, beating Darryl Sittler's record. Obviously Auston is gonna beat my record, whether it's this year or next year and that's the way it's supposed to be."

Currently, Matthews trails Darryl Sittler by 21 goals for second place on the franchise list.

Last season, Matthews netted an incredible 69 goals in 81 games played. With that kind of production, catching Sundin is only a matter of time.

Sundin believes that Matthews might surpass Wayne Gretzky's record of 894 all-time NHL goals as well.

Mats Sundin on Auston Matthews becoming captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs

Mats Sundin had words of praise and advice for newly named captain Auston Matthews, replacing John Tavares.

Sundin, who served as Leafs captain from 1997-2008, said:

"I mean, Toronto Maple Leafs is the biggest hockey franchise in the world, and so many great players have been captains, and it is a huge honor,” Sundin said.“Comes with the responsibility, but Auston is the top guy on the team."

Matthew and Sundin are only non-Canadian to have been selected as captains of the renowned Original Six team.

Sundin, a native of Sweden, told Auston Matthews:

“He's the leader and he deserves it. I think it's something that's going to make him even a better player and feel like he's a captain for the team. Just don't change anything really, and he'll be fine. He's going to do great."

Sundin also highlighted the exceptional talent on the current roster, suggesting that the ultimate goal should be winning a championship.

“You look at the team Toronto has right now, it’s arguably the most talented of ever, I think,” Sundin said. “The goal record is just a small thing. It’s about getting the team to try to win a championship too, right?”

Overall, Matthews has the full support and advice of one of the franchise's greatest leaders.