Matthews now face of the Leafs’ franchise

Everywhere on the Maple Leafs’ western Canada road trip were Auston Matthews sweaters, in the crowd, on the streets even.

Sure, it wasn’t the greatest week for the young phenom on paper. His record shots on goal streak was cut in Calgary, while a head cold dogged him in Edmonton. Toronto lost its final game 2-1 to the Canucks in Vancouver, where he was blanked.

But look beyond the numbers and it was another significant step for the 20-year-old’s development. When he came west a year ago, he was still very much a curiosity to the rest of the country.

As the Leafs made their way to the coast this time, Matthews was much more engaged in the whole process. Such as when the Leafs were trying to come back from a tepid start in Vancouver. Down 2-0, Matthews and linemates Zach Hyman and Connor Brown were on a mission of puck retrieval and driving the net, though ultimately denied by the Canucks in a photo finish.

With 100 points in 112 games (counting the playoffs against Washington), it’s obvious the Leafs aren’t stuck with another Alexandre Daigle. Veteran Leafs have seen the subtle changes in Matthews as Year 2 gets to the meat of the schedule.

“He’s just a smart player, an adaptable player,” said James van Riemsdyk. “So even when he’s not feeling his best physically, he finds a way to contribute.”

Much is still to be absorbed by Matthews, who has come far from a half-rink hockey school in Arizona. The off-ice demands, including those of his own team’s specialty TV channel and the Sportsnet broadcast rights holder, aren’t his favourite part of the day. But he’s used the platform to praise teammates and respect opponents.

“It’s a lot different atmosphere than where I’m from in Arizona. I can walk around and do my thing there. Once I walk into a hockey rink in Toronto, it’s a little bit different, but you kind of embrace it.”