Leafs captain Auston Matthews makes major equipment change upon return from injury
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has been wearing CCM gear as of late; however, it appears as though he has decided to switch brands amid his struggles.
Auston Matthews returned to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup last night after suffering an injury due to a vicious hit from Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov.
The Leafs ended up defeating the Columbus Blue Jackets in Matthews' return. While he didn't do much on the score sheet, it is clear that his return was a net positive in terms of morale.
However, as Matthews took to the ice, fans noticed something interesting about the captain. Instead of using his usual CCM gloves and stick, the captain was decked out in Bauer.
Auston Matthews goes from CCM to Bauer
Equipment changes can be done for a plethora of reasons. Sometimes, it has to do with comfort. Other times, it could simply be an endorsement deal gone awry.
However, in this case, we have a sneaking suspicion that this was done as a way to snap out of a slump. Matthews has struggled over the last year and a half, and perhaps equipment has something to do with it.
He is also coming back from an injury, and perhaps he is using this as an opportunity to have a fresh start and try something new.
While we cannot say for sure what Matthews has up his sleeve here, there is no denying that he is brought about more questions than actual answers.
Auston Matthews' stats tell the story
Perhaps one reason for the change has been Matthews' struggles to score goals. He has just nine goals in 18 games this season, which is not the pace we are used to.
Not to mention, he is struggling to set up plays, as he only has five assists. Fourteen points in 18 games is well below expectations for the captain, and Mitch Marner cannot be used as a crutch.
Against the Blue Jackets, Matthews was held without a point. Whether or not the switch to Bauer works out for him long-term still very much remains to be seen.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 27 | 391 ANSWERS Leafs captain Auston Matthews makes major equipment change upon return from injury Do you believe Auston Matthews switching to Bauer is going to make any difference? | ||
| YES | 78 | 19.9 % |
| NO | 313 | 80.1 % |
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