Auston Matthews is on track to recover from his Grade 3 MCL tear and severe quad contusion.
What happened to Auston Matthews?
Auston Matthews suffered the injury during a knee-on-knee collision with Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.
Why it matters for Auston Matthews
The injury forced Matthews to undergo surgery on March 19 and miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season.
The Toronto Maple Leafs failed to recover from his absence and eventually missed the playoffs.
What comes next for Auston Matthews?
General manager John Chayka confirmed Matthews remains on schedule in his recovery and is expected to be fully available when training camp opens.
Gavin McKenna, the top pick, has already expressed his desire to play with Auston Matthews, saying 'My captain... He’s on the first line. I’ll have to prove myself to play with a player like that, but that’s my goal.'
McKenna believes his playmaking skills complement Matthews' shooting ability.
The potential pairing has generated excitement among fans and the organization.
Auston Matthews welcomed McKenna to the organization through a pre-recorded video message, creating a symbolic passing of the torch.
McKenna produced 51 points in 35 NCAA games at Penn State and is expected to earn time on the first power-play unit.
The Maple Leafs are targeting Auston Matthews' Team USA teammate, according to recent reports.
On March 19, Matthews underwent surgery and began his recovery journey.
Gavin McKenna was drafted first overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs, exactly ten years after Matthews was drafted in the same building.