HC Craig Berube speaks his mind on Auston Matthews’ leadership, draws comparison to ex-Maple Leafs star

Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs have started the 2025–26 season with a 3-2-1 record. They sit third in the Atlantic Division below Detroit and Montreal. The team is looking for better results after another short playoff run last year.

Speaking on The Cam & Strick Podcast on Monday, Berube, who became head coach before the 2024-25 season, talked about Auston Matthews as team captain. He compared Matthews to former Leafs forward Ryan O’Reilly, whom he coached in St. Louis. Reilly helped the Blues win the Stanley Cup in 2019, when Berube was their coach.

"A lot like Riley, very prepared, you know, focused on his game," Berube said, about Matthews' leadership. [1:29:56 onwards] "And you know, arguably the best - one of the best players in practice every day, with his work ethic and what he does, extra work he puts in.

"I think, you know, he's always - he's a great teammate, like O' Reilly, you know, looking after his teammates."

Matthews is now in his second season as captain of the Maple Leafs. He has earned respect for being consistent and dependable. He played through injuries last season but kept a positive influence on teammates.

Berube said Matthews reminds him of O’Reilly’s steady approach, who himself donned the Leafs jersey for 13 games in the 2022-23 season.

"And you know, that's leadership for me, is a lot of it is just looking after teammates and being a good teammate," Berube said. "But you know, he leads by example. He goes out there. I mean, there are not many nights where I don't see the effort from him out there.

"And a lot like O'Reilly was when, when I coached him, the efforts there every night, like I said, he he puts into work leads by example."

In the first six games this season, Matthews has four goals and two assists. He holds a +5 rating and an 18.2% shooting percentage, while averaging about 21 minutes per game. So, his steady play at both ends continues to guide the Maple Leafs.

Auston Matthews reacted to Anthony Stolarz being upset

Auston Matthews reacted to Anthony Stolarz’s comments after the 4-3 overtime loss to Seattle. Stolarz said the team was 'outworked' and not intense enough, and that they need to protect the net better.

Speaking about Stolarz' upset reactions to the game, Matthews said the team took the message in a positive way.

"We're a veteran group," Matthews said in response media's question about Stolarz. "We're all big boys. You don't need to beat around the bush. It's an easy conversation we all had & you just move on, close the door ... We gotta be better & we will be"

So, like Auston Matthews said, the Leafs are likely going to move on and focus on their next game. They will play the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday.