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Auston Matthews' Latest Decision Has Toronto Maple Leafs Freaking Out About the Team's DNA


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Alexander Cole
October 22, 2025  (4:01 PM)
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Oct 21, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) shoots against the New Jersey Devils during the first period at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Today's Toronto Maple Leafs practice was optional, and with Auston Matthews opting to stay home, there are some very angry fans out there right now.

Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs played poorly last night. Regardless, head coach Craig Berube made today's practice optional.
It felt like a bit of a misstep, especially when you consider how the Maple Leafs need to work harder in order to claw their way back in the NHL standings.
What makes things even more egregious is that the team's captain won't even step up and join his teammates for a workout.

Auston Matthews takes the easy way

According to Nick Barden of The Hockey News, Auston Matthews was not on the ice today for the options practice.
Domi, Robertson, Roy, Lorentz, Jarnkrok, Cowan, Blais, Ekman-Larsson, Myers, and Primeau are the players on the ice.
This is simply unacceptable, and the Maple Leafs fanbase agrees, as the captain was absolutely dragged through the mud for his decision.
Lmfao «DNA» hasn't changed
Obviously Matthews isn't there, don't know if I've ever seen bro attend an optional practice
Why are we surprised about the turnout.... They didn't show up last night either
If you are a Maple Leafs fan, you have to at least be a little bit upset with Matthews here. The team deserves a captain who works hard every single day. This kind of mentality won't win the team anything.
Going into the weekend slate, the Leafs will be looking to defeat the Buffalo Sabres. Anything less than two blowout victories will be met with some form of vitriol.
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Auston Matthews' Latest Decision Has Toronto Maple Leafs Freaking Out About the Team's DNA

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