Auston Matthews has officially become the top goal-scorer in Toronto Maple Leafs history. He surpassed the legendary Mats Sundin with his 421st goal during a game against the New York Islanders.
This milestone came in the second period, where Matthews scored with a powerful one-timer from the right circle. Max Domi won a battle at the blue line and found Bobby McMann, who quickly set up Matthews for his second goal of the night.
Earlier, Matthews had tied Sundin at 420 goals. He skated past defenders after Jake McCabe freed the puck, scoring to bring the game to a 1-1 tie.
In just the last two games, Matthews has netted five goals. He almost achieved a hat trick, but a late deflection was stopped in overtime.
This achievement comes during a rapid rise in Matthews’ career since he was the first overall pick in the 2016 NHL Draft, reaching this record in 664 games. In contrast, Sundin set his record in 981 games from 1995 to 2008.
Sundin praised Matthews, saying, “I couldn’t think of anyone better to break my record.” He acknowledged Matthews’ skill and class as a player.
Matthews is not just a one-time standout; he has won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy three times, leading the league in goals during the 2020-21, 2021-22, and 2023-24 seasons. His 69 goals last season are not just a new team record; only nine other players in NHL history have scored more in a single season.
Reflecting on breaking Sundin’s record, Matthews mentioned the importance of records in sports. “I think records are meant to be broken,” he said. He drew a parallel with the respect shown when Alex Ovechkin surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time mark, emphasizing how the game is meant to grow over time.
As he prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Matthews is among the first athletes named to the U.S. team. His rapid success has also earned him a Hart Trophy, solidifying his recognition as the NHL’s most valuable player in the 2021-22 season.
His unique shooting ability is a topic of discussion among players. Maple Leafs forward John Tavares noted, “It’s the speed he gets it off with, and the velocity with which it goes. It’s special.”
Austin Matthews is not just rewriting Maple Leafs history; he’s setting a new standard in the NHL that will be hard to match.
