Auston Matthews accepts blame for Maple Leafs’ failure in 2025-26 NHL season

On Thursday, Auston Matthews faced the NHL media for the first time since his season-ending injury with a clear message. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain accepted responsibility after a season that fell far short of expectations.

Matthews spoke during locker clean-out day, weeks after his injury, and he did not deflect blame. He called the year frustrating and admitted the group failed to meet its own standards.

“Before we get going, you know, obviously, this was a tough year,” Matthews said. “It was a frustrating year. You know, we didn’t meet the goals or the expectations that we set out at the start. And ultimately that’s on me, that’s on us as players.

“We’re the ones that have to go out there and compete and play the game, and we didn’t do that well enough this year, consistently enough this year to put ourselves in a better spot.”

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The numbers show how far the team dropped. Toronto finished 32–36–14 and missed the NHL playoffs for the first time since 2016. They ended last in the Atlantic Division and allowed 299 goals, one of the worst defensive records in the league. A late seven-game losing streak summed up a season that never found rhythm.

Auston Matthews on fans and being captain of the Maple Leafs

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) looks on at Amerant Bank Arena

The captain also acknowledged the fans’ disappointment and said the team feels that weight alongside them.

“You know, we love our fans, and we appreciate our fans,” Matthews said. “I think we understand their frustration. I think we wear that alongside them. I think everybody here wants to win, wants to do their part to help the team win.