The dynamic duo of Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner is no longer intact.
After entering the league together and nine years of Marner setting up Matthews for goals as Toronto Maple Leafs, things have changed.
The setup man left town, taking his talents south of the border to join the Vegas Golden Knights. We all know by now that Marner was dealt to Vegas for Nicolas Roy in a sign-and-trade before inking an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Golden Knights.
It will be known as an era full of regular-season success but playoff shortcomings that ultimately resulted in the Markham, Ontario, native’s departure.
Understandably so, Marner’s exit has been a major talking point around the Maple Leafs and in the media. His forever teammate and linemate, Matthews, has certainly been asked about it, though he seems to be over it already. Spittin’ Chiclets shared a clip of the captain’s response to a question about his warmup routine now that Marner’s gone.
“I mean, we’ll see what happens, I guess. You’ve got two more weeks, and then we’re done with these questions,” Matthews said.
“You got two more weeks, and then we’re done with these questions.”
Matthews is over with reporters Marner questions 😂pic.twitter.com/2hgn6oi6vB
— Spittin’ Chiclets (@spittinchiclets) September 21, 2025
The 28-year-old is set to enter the second season of the four-year, $53 million contract extension he signed with the Maple Leafs in 2023.
Matthews will look to bounce back in 2025-26
The 2024-25 campaign was one to forget for Auston Matthews, and he’ll be motivated to bounce back in a big way next season.
It was an injury-plagued year for the superstar center, limited to 78 points (33 goals, 45 assists) in just 67 games played, marking the lowest goal total in a season of his NHL career.
As a result, Matthews was disrespected in plenty of debates and rankings around the league this offseason, something he’s surely kept receipts on entering 2025-26.
Without Mitch Marner, it’s the Auston Matthews show in Toronto, and with extra motivation on top of the added responsibility, expect the three-time Rock Richard Trophy winner to get back to 60-goal form.
