October 1, 2025

MAPLE LEAFS CAPTAIN MATTHEWS AND FANS ‘SUPER EXCITED TO GET SEASON GOING’

BRACEBRIDGE — Leafs fans here today got a sneak peak at this year’s bigger line-up.

Coach Craig Berube said the team Toronto ices next Wednesday in the season home opener against Montreal will likely be the one facing Detroit tomorrow night at the Scotiabank Arena in its second last pre-season game.

An excited crowd of more than 500 young school kids watched a fast-paced 45-minute practice that hinted strongly at what’s to come as NHL club looks to rebound after last season’s disappointing playoff loss.

Berube said “that’s not something to worry about. We’ve got to build up and get the team ready. We’ll know more tomorrow night. We’ll have to play a little bit more and see where we’re at.

Asked as he was leaving if he has a message for the Red Wings, Bruins and Cup champion Panthers — like the Maple Leafs are coming for them — the former player grinned and told him “Yep!”

Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthew was all smiles in Bracebridge today after two-day Muskoka meet and greet with the guys. He says he’s “super happy and excited to get the season going.” PHOTOS Mark Clairmont MuskokaTODAY.com

Captain Auston Matthews was equally confident.

In a dressing room availability after he told a small media scrum “it’s been a hard camp. But a good camp. I’m super happy and really excited to get the season going.”

“Everyone has come in really focussed. I feel like they’re getting their footing here over the course of the camp.”

A year ago Muskoka cottager Mitch Marner’s named echoed around the new arena.

This time he was only fans minds.

**Matthews looked good in the 45-minute fast-paced practice before a crowd of more than 500 school kids.**

Matthews looked “comfortable” with his new first line wing man Max Domi.

“I’m more comfortable with him,” said the centreman. “I’ve played a lot with him. I know the spots he likes to get in to. Each practice and with more reps we get to feel a little more comfortable.”

Berube said he’s “got to see more of (Domi) in a game.

“With Max he got to change, get inside and shoot more. It can’t be all about looking for Matthews and (Matthew) Knies. At the same time he’s got to be a bulldog.”

**Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly and Mitch Marner replacement Max Domi are expected to take the Leafs to the next playoff round.**

The Muskoka bonding and player meet and greet included a club golf tournament at Windermere.

Knies called that a “great day, awesome. Two straight days getting to spend time away from the rink and game and enjoy each other’s company.”

A trek the team has done up north here closer to home since COVID.

“It’s a huge building block, getting to know each other really well and building a championship culture. It’s very important.”

Knies is also looking forward to “getting ride of pre-season and summer habits” and “shifting” to the regular season.

An NHL team can only carry 23 players, which means the Leafs will need to cut nine more. So the next two games at home and in Detroit Saturday will set the final line-up.