‘We have to take responsibility’

Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews following trade deadline: ‘We have to take responsibility’

The NHL Trade Deadline is now over, and the Toronto Maple Leafs found themselves in a seller’s position, trading Nicolas Roy, Bobby McMann and Scott Laughton. Seeing teammates and friends leave can be one of the harshest realities in the sport, as for some, they have played together for multiple years, developing bonds that are sometimes hard to put into words.

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews reflected on the deadline, following Saturday’s morning skate.

“It’s always tough. Every year, you’re going to lose guys. Obviously, this year is a little bit different,” Matthews said following the team’s morning skate. “We lost some great people, great teammates and obviously great players. “I think it’s always tough, but you got to keep pushing forward.”

With 19 games remaining, the Maple Leafs are in a spot they haven’t been in for the better part of the decade. Currently holding a nine-year playoff streak, the games in the season’s final two months will feel a lot different for fans as the Maple Leafs appear to be playing out the string.

“I think each night, just taking it one game at a time, making sure that we are ready to compete each night, having fun and putting in an effort that we can be proud of,” Matthews said. “I think it’s something we owe to each other and owe to the fans that come watch us play.”

Staring down the Maple Leafs following the trade deadline is the Tampa Bay Lightning, who currently hold the top spot in the Atlantic Division. If the Maple Leafs are going to break the six-game losing streak, it’s going to come against a NHL powerhouse.

“I think the energy in this room has been good. Obviously, we’re trying to get off this slide, and it’s a good opportunity to play against a really good team in our division,” Matthews said. “It’s going to take all 20 guys, it’s going to take a full 60-minutes and we’re going to have to compete throughout the whole game.”

Matthews has recorded 26 goals and 26 assists in 57 games, but is currently mired in a 10-game goalless drought. Toronto’s captain spoke about his recent form, and explained why he’s optimistic that pucks will start going in imminently.

“The opportunities have been there, and I know one’s going to go in and I’ll start to gain momentum,” Matthews said. “Definitely over the last couple of games, there’s been a lot of good opportunities and chances. We’ve had the puck a lot more on the offensive side, so it’s all good.”

Matthews pushed towards accountability, as the Maple Leafs are uncharted territory for the first time in his career.

“It’s never fun losing and being in this position, but we have to take responsibility,” Matthews said. “It’s obviously on the players, and you kind of lay in the bed you make, so for us it’s tough. It’s never a good time, but we can only control what’s in front of us now, whether it’s our attitude or compete level. Tonight’s game, we’re trying to get back on the right track, win some games and get a good feeling back in the locker room.”

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