The conversation about the greatest Toronto Maple Leafs of all time has a new, potent entry. Auston Matthews has officially broken Mats Sundin's franchise record for most goals, cementing his place in the storied history of the club.
A Historic Night at Scotiabank Arena
The record fell on January 1, 2026, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Matthews, wearing his familiar number 34, celebrated the historic goal and a victory over the Winnipeg Jets. The moment was captured by photographer Vaughn Ridley, freezing in time the instant a new chapter in Leafs lore began.
This milestone has sparked intense debate among fans and analysts alike. Just how high does Matthews now rank in the pantheon of Maple Leafs legends? The discussion goes beyond mere numbers, touching on era, impact, and the weight of carrying the hopes of a hockey-mad city.
Where Matthews Stands in Franchise History
On the latest episode of the Inside The Leafs podcast, Postmedia's Rob Wong sat down with Toronto Sun writers Terry Koshan and Lance Hornby to dissect this very question. The panel delved into the significance of breaking a record long held by the iconic Sundin, a captain and Hall of Famer.
The consensus is that Matthews has already secured a spot among the franchise's elite offensive players. His goal-scoring prowess is unmatched in the modern era of the team. The discussion inevitably turns to legends like Darryl Sittler, Dave Keon, and Frank Mahovlich, weighing Matthews' peak performance against their sustained excellence and championship pedigrees.
The Ultimate Benchmark: Chasing The Great Eight
Perhaps the most tantalizing question raised is whether Auston Matthews could ever threaten the ultimate NHL goal-scoring record: the one held by Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin. Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's all-time mark has been a league-wide narrative for years.
Matthews' elite shot, hockey IQ, and consistency make him one of the few players in the league with the potential to enter that conversation, should he maintain his health and scoring touch for the next decade. The Inside The Leafs panel explored the feasibility of such a chase, considering the differences in playing style, era, and longevity required.
Matthews' record-breaking achievement is more than a personal milestone; it's a landmark moment for a franchise constantly measured against its glorious, championship-filled past. It redefines his legacy in Toronto and sets the stage for the next compelling question: just how high can he climb?
