Auston Matthews is officially back, sets Maple Leafs franchise record

· Yahoo Sports

Auston Matthews is officially back, and the Toronto Maple Leafs captain has made NHLhistory while proving he is once again one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players.

The 29-year-old made franchise history Monday night, recording an assist on William Nylander’s third-period goal in Toronto’s 5-2 loss to the Calgary Flames. Despite the disappointing result, Matthews reached 800 career points as a Maple Leaf in just 703 games, becoming the fastest player in franchise history to achieve the milestone.

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He surpassed legendary centre Darryl Sittler, who needed 742 games to reach 800 points. It is another remarkable accomplishment for Matthews, whose impact on the franchise continues to grow.

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Matthews reaches another historic milestone

Oct 20, 2026; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Jet Greaves (73) makes a save on the shot from Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) during the first period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Matthews has also become the first player selected in the 2016 NHL Draft to record 800 career points. Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk ranks second among players from that draft class with 686 points, while Utah Mammoth forward Clayton Keller sits third with 611.

The Toronto captain has another impressive distinction, becoming the second-fastest American-born player to reach 800 career points. Only Pat LaFontaine accomplished the feat faster, reaching the milestone in 664 games.

Matthews now ranks fourth on the Maple Leafs’ all-time points list, trailing Dave Keon, who recorded 858 points, Sittler with 916, and franchise leader Mats Sundin with 987.

With the historic milestone behind him, Matthews is closing in on some of the franchise’s most celebrated names.

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A healthy Matthews is making a difference

Sep 29, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) shoots the puck against the Montreal Canadiens in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Perhaps the most encouraging development for Toronto is that Matthews appears to be returning to his dominant form after two seasons affected by injuries.

The three-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner and 2022 NHL MVP endured a difficult 2025-26 campaign, recording career lows of 27 goals and 57 points. This season, however, he has looked much more like himself, collecting nine goals and 20 points through the Maple Leafs’ first 14 games of the 2026-27 NHL season.

Matthews has said he is back to full health, and his production suggests the captain is ready to lead Toronto’s offence once again.

Although the Maple Leafs saw their four-game winning streak end in Calgary, they remain third in the Atlantic Division with a 7-5-2 record.

Toronto will look to bounce back Wednesday when it visits the Seattle Kraken, with Matthews aiming to build on his historic start and help the Leafs get back in the win column.

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