Maple Leafs Rumors: Analyst Reveals Theory For Auston Matthews' Scoring Struggles

4 days ago  /  NHL Trade Rumors  /  Read Time: 1 minute 24 seconds

Auston Matthews’ 2024-25 season has left many wondering what’s behind the noticeable drop in his goal scoring. After netting an incredible 69 goals last year and winning his third Rocket Richard Trophy in four seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs captain has managed just 28 goals in 57 games this season. While injuries and missed time have played a role, NHL Network analyst Mike Kelly believes there’s more to the story—and his theory centers on a surprising detail.Auston Matthews is scoring at the lowest rate of his career - 0.48 goals per game. I've had a lot of people ask what's different compared to last year. Usually it's shot volume or quality but here's something I think is interesting about his shot...@SportsOnPrimeCA pic.twitter.com/J7szq12L6f— Mike Kelly (@MikeKellyNHL) March 28, 2025
Speaking on Coast to Coast on Amazon Prime, Kelly pointed out that Matthews has seen a sharp decline in goals from a specific area on the ice. “Mid-range, right around the hashmarks—he had 22 goals from there last year,” Kelly said. “He only has 5 this year. That’s a huge difference.” According to NHL EDGE data, Matthews' average shot speed from that area has dropped by 10 miles per hour compared to last season—falling from 77 to just 67 mph. Kelly added, “His shot volume isn’t down much. His shot quality isn’t down much. But when you’re not beating goalies clean from that area anymore, something’s off.”Auston Matthews tucks it in behind Georgiev 🚨 pic.twitter.com/Hry6GBebXd— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) March 28, 2025
Kelly speculated that the cause might be a combination of injury and fatigue. “You talk about him maybe dealing with some injuries. The 4 Nations, a nagging issue—maybe both. It makes me wonder if he’s just not physically right,” he said. Despite Matthews still getting prime scoring chances, the velocity drop has made his once-lethal shot less effective.
Matthews himself hasn't used injuries as an excuse, but his frustration is showing. After Toronto's 6-5 shootout loss to the San Jose Sharks, he didn’t mince words: “We just seemed slow. We didn’t take care of the puck. The penalty trouble—we can control that. It needs to be better.” With Toronto fighting for top position in the Atlantic Division and facing potential playoff matchups against Florida or Tampa Bay, the Leafs will need Matthews at full strength if they hope to make a deep run. Whether his shot returns to form remains the biggest question heading into the postseason.Photo Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images...

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