"He's just not that guy anymore:" Some Auston Matthews fans are starting to jump ship
Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has been struggling this season, and there are fans who are recognizing that his prime is in jeopardy.
Auston Matthews returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup on Wednesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets, although he went without a point.
While the forward did provide some leadership and a boost in morale, fans want to see some production. All too often, Matthews has been held off the score sheet this season.
He doesn't have that snap in his wrist, and it is actually quite concerning that he can't be the guy we saw just two seasons ago under Sheldon Keefe.
In fact, fans are starting to sound the alarm bells. Even his biggest supporters who name themselves after him on social media are worried.
Auston Matthews struggles against the Columbus Blue Jackets
For instance, this one fan below is claiming that it might just be time to admit that Matthews is "not that guy anymore."
I'm definitely starting to feel the Auston Matthews I knew and loved is just not that guy anymore.
The one who could dominate, might not be him anymore.
The one who could dominate, might not be him anymore.
If this is the case, then the Toronto Maple Leafs are in a lot of trouble and may not be able to make a playoff push. If Auston Matthews can't reach his old heights, then the team's core is done.
Auston Matthews' stats show a player in decline
Auston Matthews has just 14 points in 18 games this season. He has nine goals, which is well below the pace fans have come to expect from the captain.
Last season, he had 33 goals in 67 games, which again, is not his usual pace. Matthews is a guy who used to whip the puck around and score 69 goals. Now, he's far from that guy.
Only time will tell if Matthews can turn things around, although the fact that his biggest fans aren't so sure is a huge indictment.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 27 | 486 ANSWERS "He's just not that guy anymore:" Some Auston Matthews fans are starting to jump ship Do you believe Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews can be a 60-goal scorer again? | ||
| YES | 149 | 30.7 % |
| NO | 337 | 69.3 % |
| List of polls | ||