Overview
- Toronto finished the month 5-5-1, tied for last in the Atlantic Division, after an inconsistent start marked by defensive breakdowns and uneven goaltending.
- Auston Matthews has five goals through 11 games with just one at five-on-five and more empty-netters than even-strength goals.
- The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel suggested Matthews may not be fully back physically following last season’s issues, and he cited Marner’s departure as a clear factor in the captain’s early struggles.
- Head coach Craig Berube criticized the team after a blowout loss to Columbus, saying players overcomplicated the game and committed costly turnovers through the neutral zone.
- Despite the rocky month, The Leafs Nation named William Nylander, John Tavares and Matthew Knies as October’s three stars, and coverage notes several Atlantic rivals have also started unevenly.