Auston Matthews nears Mats Sundin’s goal record, Leafs captain feels humbled by the legend’s support

Auston Matthews is now at a point in his Toronto Maple Leafs career where history is within reach. Every goal he scores matters, and each shift brings him closer to a milestone in the franchise. Yet, when the topic turns to breaking Mats Sundin’s all-time Maple Leafs goal record, Matthews responds with humility, showing the respect he has for the legend.That humility says plenty about him and the bond he shares with Sundin. The Hall of Famer finished his Toronto career with 420 goals, a mark many believed would stand for generations. Matthews, however, has rapidly closed the gap, powered by elite scoring instincts and a consistent ability to deliver when the moment is tense. His latest hat trick against the Winnipeg Jets not only lifted Toronto to a dramatic 6–5 win but pushed him to 419 career goals, one shy of Sundin’s record.Matthews, 28, has surged at the right moment with eight points in his last three games, playing with confidence yet handling the situation with composure. He openly acknowledges how meaningful it is to even be mentioned alongside Sundin, especially knowing the history, pressure, and spotlight that come with starring in Toronto. “I mean, it’s special just to be in the same sentence as him,” Matthews said of Sundin. “Guys like him paved the way and wore this jersey with pride. It definitely means a lot.”Sundin’s reaction has made the chase even more compelling. “I said it before and said it again, I’m cheering for him to do it. He’s a special player and a special person,” Sundin said. This open support makes Matthews’ pursuit even more compelling, with both generations showing mutual admiration. “He’s awesome,” Matthews added. “I mean, I think just getting to know him, there’s a reason why people talk so highly about him, just the kind of leader that he was and the kind of person that he was and is. And I think that’s great.”Sundin was celebrated for his leadership, consistency, and all-around skill, while Matthews is more of a pure goal scorer, reaching 419 goals in just 663 games compared to Sundin’s 981. Their styles are different, but both have played huge roles for the franchise. Matthews often says winning as a team comes first, and even though the record crosses his mind, his main focus is on helping Toronto succeed. When the next goal comes, whether it’s against the New York Islanders or soon after, it will be more than just another stat. Also Read: Auston Matthews' hat trick leads Toronto Maple Leafs to 6-5 comeback win over Winnipeg Jets