Craig Berube on Auston Matthews' adjustment without his previous right-wing partner: "He might take another step, start hanging onto pucks, and beating people one-on-one"

"What stands out to you most about how Auston Matthews has started camp this year? Berube: A lot like last year, watching him out there, he leads the way. He is doing things right with this intensity, battles, and competitiveness. A lot of our guys feed off of that. How much of a difference do you think Matthews' full health will make? Clearly, his injuries had an impact last season. Berube: I see him more engaged, I would say."

"Berube: Obviously, Dale has done a great job in London of developing players. I think they run it like an NHL team would, systems-wise, and in terms of playing the game. Dale is very good at looking at a player and seeing the future in him and what he could become."

Auston Matthews has begun training camp similarly to last year, setting the tone with intensity, battles and competitiveness that teammates feed off. Full health appears to have increased his engagement, making him heavier and harder on pucks with a noticeable difference. Practice line groupings place Joshua-Roy-Cowan together while Matthews skates with Knies and Maccelli in another unit. The organization emphasizes player development pathways established in junior programs, noting Dale Hunter's London system runs with NHL-like structure, focuses on systems, identifies future potential, and provides significant opportunities for young players to grow. Coaching staff is evaluating power-play quarterback options and line balance.

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