Auston Matthews breaks the silence when starting the maple leaves “2025-26 without” friend for life “Mitch Marner

Toronto Maple Leaf Captain Auston Matthews again talked Mitch marnerTrade in Vegas. Marner signed an eight -year agreement and $ 96 million before being treated. He was Matthew's line companion in Toronto, playing on the upper line of the leaves. Now, its movement has left a gap in this line, which makes it a priority for the leaves to find a perfect fit.

Speaking in the media Wednesday, Matthews called Marner a “friend for life”. He admitted that it was difficult to say goodbye.

“Yes. I mean they are always hard conversations,” said Matthews. “Obviously, at the end of the day, you are teammates, you are also friends and will be a friend of all ours for life.

“So they are always tough conversations, but by the end of the day, you know, he made his decision and you know, we don't want the best to move forward, and let's go.”

Marner had 102 points last season with Toronto. He scored 27 goals and 75 assists in 81 games. He later added 13 points to 13 playoff games, but received criticism of his performance against Florida, giving rise to the departure of the playoff. However, his offense will be difficult to replace.

In the low season, the Maple leaves They have added new players such as Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua. So Matthews and the group are excited about fresh faces.

“As I said, you know, adding new faces, some new guys we are very excited about, they cannot really live in the past,” said Matthews. “Obviously, as I said, we wish him (Marner) the best. And he will be a lifelong friend. But you just have to put the best foot.”

The Maple Leafs first finished in the Atlantic Division last season. They won the first lap against Ottawa, but were eliminated by Florida in the second round. Toronto again struggled to move forward in this stage, and now, Matthews is determined to improve.

Auston Matthews's previous comments on Mitch Marner

It was not the first time Auston Matthews talked about Mitch Marner's trade. In August during the charity of Mayor Patrick Brown, Talked about Marner's movement being part of the hockey business.

“Obviously, we will miss it … This is a kind of business, that's difficult. I wish you anything but the best. We will only move it,” said Matthews.

Auston Matthews also gave a brief update to his health, saying he felt “well.” He had lost 15 games last season with an injury. From now on, Auston Matthews and Toronto focus on the 2025-26 season.