Auston Matthews is on the verge of overtaking Mats Sundin as the top scorer in Toronto Maple Leafs history, but many fear other similarities between the two men.
A certain excitement should have spread to the Queen City as this historic moment approaches. However, we prefer to talk more about transaction rumors, incessant rumors due to the setbacks of Craig Berube’s men this season.
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Some more cynical fans hope to see the captain go elsewhere, but most hope the Leafs don’t come to that. The general manager, Brad Treliving, has also brushed aside the rumors, ensuring that his team is still in the race despite last place in the Eastern Association.
Sundin, for his part, broke the goals record in 2007-2008 by beating Darryl Sittler. It was the last of his 13 seasons in Toronto. The Swede has been astonishingly consistent with the Maple Leafs with 12 campaigns of over 70 points and 10 harvests of 30 goals.
In 2008, the forward was 37 years old and still had good hockey to play, but the Leafs had just missed the playoffs. Sundin did not accept a trade to leave Toronto and did not negotiate a contract extension. He finished his career with one season in Vancouver.
Could this bizarre outcome repeat itself? In the near future, only one transaction is to be feared, since Matthews is linked to the Maple Leafs until 2028. Constantly under fire from critics – especially for his performances in the playoffs -, the American generally has very good regular seasons. He has 416 goals and 754 points in 662 games.
The 28-year-old athlete will not participate in Tuesday night’s game against the New Jersey Devils. He suffered a lower-body injury while blocking a puck in Sunday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings.
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