Auston Matthews may no longer play on the penalty kill for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
What happened?
The Maple Leafs signed Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger, and Brandon Duhaime on July 1, all with penalty-killing experience.
Why it matters for Auston Matthews
These additions could bump Matthews out of his penalty kill role, allowing him to focus on offense.
Auston Matthews averaged 1:10 of shorthanded ice time per game last season.
What comes next?
Coach Jim Hiller wants to get Matthews more offensive opportunities, saying "Great offensive players love to have the puck."
The new players' penalty-killing skills will help the team. Sissons averaged 1:28 of shorthanded ice time per game for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Blueger averaged 1:52 of shorthanded ice time per game for the Vancouver Canucks.
Duhaime averaged 1:07 of shorthanded ice time per game for the Washington Capitals.
These players will help the Maple Leafs' penalty kill, potentially freeing up Matthews to focus on scoring.
Matthews played just 60 games last season, ranking sixth among Maple Leafs forwards in total ice time on the penalty kill.
He logged 70:07 of shorthanded ice time, down from 1:37 per game in the 2024-25 campaign.
The Maple Leafs' offseason additions will impact the team's lineup and strategy.
Auston Matthews will likely see changes in his role, with a focus on offense.
The team's new players will contribute to the penalty kill, helping the Maple Leafs succeed.
The upcoming season will be important for Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
They will look to improve their performance and make a strong playoff run.
Auston Matthews' offensive skills will be key to the team's success.
He will look to score more goals and help the Maple Leafs win.
The team's fans are excited to see what the new season will bring.
They will be watching Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs closely, hoping for a successful season.