Auston Matthews has been called the “most important Toronto athlete” ahead of Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. by former NHL and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Carlo Colaiacovo.
Speaking on First Up, Colaiacovo explained why Matthews carries greater importance for Toronto sports. He pointed to Matthews’ uncertain future and the pressure surrounding the Maple Leafs.
“Like Auston Matthews to me is the most important Toronto athlete because Vladdy, we know he’s gonna be here for the next 14 years,” Colaiacovo said.
Guerrero recently committed his future to Toronto with a 14-year, $500 million contract. That long-term security makes his situation different from Matthews, whose future remains less certain.
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Colaiacovo also highlighted the Raptors, with Scottie Barnes providing Toronto another young cornerstone. “We also know that there’s no threat of Scottie Barnes leaving,” he said.
Matthews enters the 2026-27 season after a difficult campaign. The Maple Leafs captain recorded 27 goals and 53 points in 60 games, his lowest production since entering the NHL.
His season ended after he suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear against the Anaheim Ducks in March. The injury completely derailed the Maple Leafs’ season and has already created questions about Toronto’s direction.
Why Auston Matthews carries greater pressure in TorontoToronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34), with teammates at Benchmark International Arena. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The Maple Leafs endured a major team decline, finishing 32-36-14 in 2025-26 and missing the playoffs. That result pushed the organization toward significant changes during the offseason.
For an NHL team built around its franchise center, Matthews’ performance will directly shape Toronto’s chances. The Maple Leafs need him healthy, productive and capable of leading the offense again.
Colaiacovo believes that responsibility makes Matthews different from Toronto’s other major sports stars.
“There’s pressure to get back to being a winning team,” Colaiacovo said. “But there’s also pressure for Auston Matthews to be that guy leading the way.”
There is also a larger contractual question hanging over the Maple Leafs. Matthews has not committed beyond his current contract, leaving Toronto with an important decision about its long-term structure.
“There’s pressure on the organization to convince Matthews to be here beyond the expiry of his current contract,” Colaiacovo said.
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Matthews has already established himself among Toronto’s greatest scorers. He scored 69 goals in 2023-24 and remains on pace to challenge franchise records.
“Matthews being the guy that scored 69 goals,” Colaiacovo said. “If he’s not the most important guy, then who is?”
For Toronto, that question will become even more important if Matthews returns to his previous scoring level. His health, production and future commitment could define the Maple Leafs’ next chapter.
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