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Auston Matthews on setting Leafs’ franchise record for goals: ‘It’s extremely special’
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Photo credit: Thomas Salus-Imagn Images
Arun Srinivasan
Jan 4, 2026, 08:20 ESTUpdated: Jan 4, 2026, 08:19 EST
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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews surpassed Mats Sundin for the franchise record in career goals, during Saturday’s loss to the New York Islanders. Matthews scored twice, registering his 420th and 421st goals of his career, taking over the top spot in the record books.
It wasn’t a perfect evening, as Islanders rookie sensation Matthew Schaefer spoiled the night, scoring twice, including the game-winner in overtime.
Matthews reflected upon setting the Leafs’ record, following Saturday’s game.
“It means a lot. It’s a very historical franchise and you take a lot of pride in putting on the jersey every day. So to be in the same sentence as some of the greats that have come before us, it means a lot. It’s extremely special. I’m very humbled and I couldn’t do it without the great group of guys around me. It just means a lot.”
Upon scoring his second goal of the game, Toronto cleared the bench to celebrate with its captain. Sundin immediately offered his congratulations to Matthews, as well.
“It is incredible,” Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said post-game. “Congrats to him, leading the Leafs in goals all-time. He’s actually first in hat tricks for a US-born player, too. He has accomplished a lot of things, and he had a strong game again tonight. He just about had it in OT.”
Matthews is rounding back into top form, with five goals in his past two games, while displaying real explosion in his skating stride.
“It’s special just to be in the same sentence as (Sundin),” Matthews said, following a January 1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets. “Obviously, guys like him and a number of others that came before us paved the way. I’ve worn the jersey and I think we all take a lot of pride in wearing the jersey and realize how special it is. So it definitely means a lot.”
Toronto resumes its schedule Tuesday against the Florida Panthers.

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