The Toronto Maple Leafs are a completely different team when Auston Matthews is a threat to score every time he’s on the ice, and head coach Craig Berube is optimistic in what he’s seen from the Captain in training camp.

What’s ironic about this is that last season, which was a notable down-year for Matthews offensively, the Maple Leafs won the Atlantic Division for the first time since he put on the jersey. This came in the wake of a huge bounce-back season for John Tavares, a breakout season for Matthew Knies, stable goaltending, and a general emphasis on team defence. So, if they can have all of these factors plus a rejuvenated Matthews, there’s room to take an even bigger step forward.

Berube told reporters ahead of the home opener that Matthews has been dialled in throughout preseason.

“I’ve talked about that, he looked really good, for me, right from the beginning of camp,” Berube said when asked where Matthews was at following preseason. “I think he’s been highly competitive and strong. Looks like he’s got another gear right now, for me.

What’s funny is that the ‘down-year’ for Matthews still saw him score at a 40-goal pace with 78 points in 67 games last season. Of course, when you’re paid like one of the best players in the league, that’s what the expectation is. But it puts into perspective what Matthews’ abilities are when he’s healthy and playing with 100 per cent confidence.

Matthews will be without Mitch Marner on his wing entering a season for the first time since before Sheldon Keefe took over. One player acquired during the offseason to help replace some of that production is Matias Maccelli, who’s slated to skate alongside Matthews and Knies on the top line in his debut. While the absence from Scott Laughton on the fourth line caused a ripple effect that led Maccelli from skating on the third line to playing on the top unit, Berube has belief that he can thrive in that role and said the new Leaf knows what he’s expected to do.

“He’s a good playmeker, we all know that he can pass the puck, I think that suits that line for what they have on there and how they play,” Berube told reporters. “We’ll see how it goes. I can’t predict the future. But, for him, he doesn’t need to complicate the game. I think he’s always gotta pass to make a play, it’s not about that. He just needs to play the game. He’s got a good shot, and he’s shown us that he can fire a puck. He needs to shoot pucks. He needs to just play the game. He doesn’t have to overanalyze it.”

Most of the talk of Marner’s absence focuses on the ability to fill 100+ points, but the defensive side of the game is almost equally as important for that line. Maccelli won’t be asked to be a Selke candidate, but Berube made it clear that strong defensive play is imperative.

“He doesn’t have to over-pass, he just has to go and play. He’s got to be responsible defensively, he’s got to work, he’s got to compete.”

With a strong set of expectations set for the whole group, Berube has seen a buy-in from his players in the weeks leading to the start of the regular season. Not just into the system, but into each other.

“They’re a tight group right now. That excites me,” Berube said. “They truly believe that they need everybody to be successful and that everybody’s important on the team. That’s a good sign for me.”

The Maple Leafs will face the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday night to open the regular season before heading back to Michigan for a date with the Detroit Red Wings.