An NHL columnist questioned Auston Matthews’ impact this season, suggesting the Maple Leafs captain is being carried as Toronto struggles.

Fearlessness is a key reason for this, but so is the Leafs’ inability to get the puck out of their own zone. Toronto ranks 31st in defensive zone time, and McCabe leads all Leafs blue liners in defensive zone starts and blocked shots (89).

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been anything but a consistent club this season, the second season under head coach Craig Berube and the first season in nearly a decade without forward Mitch Marner, who is now with the Vegas Golden Knights.

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Devan Dubnyk, Ryan Kennedy and Michael Traikos discuss Friday's Danault and Marchment trades, the Leafs, Panthers and more.

We are heading towards the middle of the 2025-26 season, and trade talks are on the rise due to contending teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs facing depth needs.

After a tough start to the season, the Predators have won seven of 10 and are in the wild-card mix. Are they still sellers?