Matthews Leads Leafs Comeback as McKenna Scores First NHL Goal

A four-point performance from captain Auston Matthews and the first NHL goal by rookie Gavin McKenna highlighted the Toronto Maple Leafs' 5-4 overtime victory over the Nashville Predators. The result offered encouragement for Toronto as Matthews returned to elite form following injury problems, while McKenna began to establish himself in the NHL after being selected first overall in the draft.

According to NHL.com, Matthews recorded one goal and three assists, including the overtime winner. The performance recalled his most productive seasons from 2021-24, when he averaged just over 56 goals per season and established a franchise record with 69 goals in 2023-24.

Matthews had averaged 30 goals over the previous two seasons and missed 37 games because of various injuries. He underwent surgery on March 19 after suffering a grade 3 MCL tear and a quadriceps contusion in his left leg during a March 12 collision with then-Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas.

Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller credited the captain's overall performance rather than focusing solely on the decisive goal.

"Yeah, it really was for me. I thought he's been really good all the whole camp. He's working on every puck.

But tonight, for me, just a little bit different tonight. And from just a pure hockey perspective, to appreciate his game tonight was really a special night for him. I know he scored the overtime winner.

I'm not talking about that. Just his game start to finish." Hiller said.

Hiller, who previously worked with Matthews from 2015-19 as an assistant coach under Mike Babcock, also praised the center's performance across the game.

"What I really felt was, you know, there's lots of players that played really well, but I really felt something special from Auston tonight. If you go back and watch that game, just go shift by shift on his game, you'll see all the great things that have been said about him." Hiller said.

Teammate William Nylander also highlighted Matthews' activity and ability to generate offense during the comeback.

"He was humming all over the puck, you know, winning battles, and creating a lot of offense. So he was cooking." Nylander said.

Matthews' improved performances have coincided with organizational changes following Toronto's last-place finish in the Atlantic Division in 2025-26. The Maple Leafs finished 32-36-14, fired general manager Brad Treliving and subsequently hired John Chayka as general manager, Hiller as coach and Mats Sundin as a senior advisor.

The team also reshaped its roster by adding forwards Jack Roslovic, Nick Paul and Kirill Marchenko, defenseman Darren Raddysh and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. Toronto won the draft lottery and selected McKenna with the first overall pick.

Matthews had previously expressed uncertainty about his future following the team's disappointing season. Speaking during the April 16 exit meetings, with two seasons remaining on his four-year, $53 million contract signed on August 25, 2023, he said the organization needed new leadership before its direction became clear.

"I can't predict the future. There are steps that have to take place. They've got to hire new leadership in management.

I don't really know. I can't really predict the future." Matthews said.

By training camp, his assessment of the changes was more positive. He also took a greater role in team activities, hosting players and management during a bonding trip to Arizona and helping McKenna adjust to his new environment.

"With John here now, I really like what he's done this summer. I think he's made some great changes, brought in some great people, some great players, great outside hires as well, and it's been great so far." Matthews said.

"It's been super positive. Great energy at the rink." Matthews said.

McKenna's breakthrough against Nashville came during his fourth NHL game, according to The Hockey Writers. The rookie had faced scrutiny over his early production and missing an optional practice, but his progress became more evident as he adjusted to the professional level.

Before entering the NHL, McKenna recorded 244 points in 133 Western Hockey League games and 51 points in 35 NCAA games as a freshman. The Hockey Writers noted that his creativity, playmaking and growing confidence were visible even before he registered his first NHL point.

Toronto subsequently moved McKenna to its third line alongside Nick Paul and Colton Sissons, with Easton Cowan taking his place on the second line. The Hockey Writers reported that McKenna's line recorded a 73.27% expected-goals share at five-on-five against Nashville and a 66.70% share against the Vegas Golden Knights, where the rookie added another assist.

The line change did not prevent McKenna from contributing offensively. His first NHL goal against Nashville and subsequent assist against Vegas gave Toronto further evidence of his developing role as the team continues to adjust its forward combinations.