Auston Matthews, Leafs reflect on the captain’s pregame ceremony with Mats Sundin
“I just thought we played a good team game, all four lines,” Matthews said. “We played hard, played physical. Our forecheck was really good tonight, goaltending was great. Those are the kind of efforts we need on nights like this against tough opponents like this. You know, when you’re missing lots of guys you need everyone to chip in a little bit more.”
Mats Sundin officially passes the torch to Auston Matthews 🤝
Matthews shared he only found out the day before that Sundin would be in attendance, and spoke about how special it was to have Sundin there as he received a standing ovation at Scotiabank Arena.
“It means a lot, all of it means a lot,” Matthews said. “It’s special to wear this jersey, it’s an absolute honour. To have Mats come in, to have so many players before us have paved the way and worn this jersey, it’s very special and I’m very appreciative.”
It was a memorable moment not just for Toronto’s captain, but his teammates as well, getting to be a part of Leafs history. Coming in this year as a rookie, Easton Cowan is part of the next wave of Maple Leafs talent, and he shared postgame what Matthews and this moment meant to him.
“Obviously it was so cool to be part of Auston’s thing,” Cowan said. “He’s been such a great role model for me and has done so much for me. So just to be in that game and see him break it meant a lot. It just shows hard work pays off.”
Now having played alongside Matthews for a few seasons, Matthew Knies also spoke about the history of this milestone and the significance of playing a role in it.
“To be a part of that accomplishment is pretty surreal,” Knies said. “I think when we’re older we’re all gonna look back and be like that’s pretty cool that we all got to witness it. Just really grateful that I get to play with him and be a part of it.”