Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo says the 2026-27 NHL season will define Auston Matthews‘ future in Toronto.
Speaking on “First Up,” Colaiacovo praised potential linemates but stressed pressure remains on the captain.
Aaron Korolnek asked which wingers best fit Matthews entering training camp. Colaiacovo said, “Well, 34 needs the puck on his stick, right? So you need guys to get him the puck.”
He immediately pointed toward top prospect Gavin McKenna.
“I think right now you’ve got to look at Gavin McKenna, who self-proclaims himself to be a better playmaker than a scorer,” Matthews said. “So he’s got game-breaking abilities; he’s got playmaking abilities. I think he’s a guy that would get a nice long look alongside him.”
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Colaiacovo also highlighted forward Matthew Knies’ importance.
“You need a Matthew Knies to play a heavier game, win the puck battles in the corners, retrieve pucks in front, and find him,” Colaiacovo said. “So I think those two guys would be a good start for Matthews.”
Matthews enters the season after the toughest campaign of his NHL career. He finished with 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games before suffering a Grade 3 MCL tear. Toronto also missed the playoffs with a 32-36-14 record after finishing last in the Atlantic Division.
The Leafs responded by drafting McKenna first overall and reshaping their roster around Matthews.
Auston Matthews must prove he can elevate those around him
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) looks on wearing a ‘C’. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Colaiacovo made it clear that better linemates alone will not change Toronto’s outlook.
“Matthews has to elevate his game and make other players around him better,” he said.
He compared Matthews to former Leafs captain John Tavares, saying, “John Tavares has done [this] his whole career up until this point. He always made the wingers he played with cash in because he made players better around them.”
Colaiacovo also referenced Matthews’ success with Mitch Marner, referring to Matthews’ 69-goal season in 2023-24.
“Mitch Marner made him a better player, made him score the most goals he’s scored in his career,” he said.
Colaiacovo’s biggest message followed immediately, which was “Auston Matthews has to elevate his game and has to be more of a difference-maker. This is a make-or-break year for him, I think.”
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Matthews remains under contract through 2027-28 with a full no-movement clause. However, questions about his long-term future continue after Toronto’s collapse. A healthy season, strong chemistry with McKenna and a return to elite production could quickly change that conversation. Otherwise, speculation surrounding the franchise cornerstone will only continue to grow.