New photo of Auston Matthews shocks fans ahead of new season!

Maple Leafs franchise player Auston Matthews wants a fresh start for the 2024-25 season and it was first made clear when he accepted, earlier this summer, the role of captain in Toronto. Matthews took over the C from veteran forward and Ontario native John Tavares in August and became the 26th captain in franchise history.

On the latest NHL Player Media Tour in Las Vegas, Matthews took part in different activities and it was obvious that something had changed in the superstar’s looks. In 2023-24, in which Matthews posted a career season with 69 goals and 107 points in 81 games, the forward was listed at 6’3” and 215 pounds, but the new photos clearly show that Matthews has trimmed off some weight.

Look at him as he took part in a pre-shoot interview and on the ice as Toronto’s new captain:

Not that he was too big for the type of game he plays, I mean, Matthews is a talented son of a gun. However, fans are adamant that a new look and new shape will undoubtedly allow him to be quicker and more agile when skating down the ice.

Can you imagine how more dangerous he could be on the ice?

A new commercial was released on Tuesday, September 3, showcasing Matthews’ skills with the new stick the Ribcor Trigger 9 Pro from CCM. The ad was filmed before he was named captain, however, as he’s still wearing the “A” on his chest. This prompted the gear company to fix the ad by sharing a fresh set of pictures on X showing a much leaner Matthews on September 7 , now donning the “C” instead of the “A” on his jersey.

There is no account of Auston Matthews’ current weight, however anyone looking at the photo can tell that he’s leaner and obviously this will have an impact on his game as the 2024-25 campaign kicks off in less than a month.

Fans do remember how Matthews has lost weight ahead of the 2020-21 season, a total of 14 pounds, which as his career-best up to that point.

Let’s see what this new look and build can do for Matthews and the Maple Leafs.