Auston Matthews is healthy, a crucial development for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they prepare for their 2025-26 season opener against the Montreal Canadiens. Matthews, who missed 15 games last season due to a lingering upper-body injury, is now in top form. His return is vital as the team looks to establish its forward lines in the absence of Mitch Marner.

Coach Craig Berube expressed confidence in Matthews' condition, stating, "It looks like he has another gear right now. He looked really good for me. Right from the beginning of camp, I think he’s been highly competitive, strong." Matthews begins his ninth season in the NHL with 401 career goals, just 19 shy of tying Mats Sundin for the franchise record. He has a strong track record against the Canadiens, having scored 28 goals in 37 career games against them.

In addition to Matthews' return, the Leafs have recalled Easton Cowan from the Toronto Marlies. Although the 20-year-old will not play in the opener, Berube indicated that Cowan's NHL debut is imminent. "He’s up here with us, so we’re happy about that," Berube said. "Like I’ve talked before about Easton, we don’t want him sitting out. We want him playing, but we chose tonight that he will not play."

Cowan's first game could come as soon as Saturday against the Detroit Red Wings. The Leafs also sent forward Jacob Quillan back to the Marlies in a corresponding move.

As the season begins, all eyes will be on veteran defenseman Morgan Rielly and new winger Matias Maccelli. Maccelli is set to play alongside Matthews and Matthew Knies, marking an important opportunity for him. Berube noted, "I’ve liked what I’ve seen in practice. He’s a good playmaker. We all know that. He can pass the puck. I think that suits that line for what they have and how they play."

Rielly, who is looking to bounce back after a challenging previous season, expressed confidence in his readiness. "I felt really good in practice," he said. "I didn’t really love the games, to be honest with you, but you try not to read into it too much. I believe that I’m ready, just the way that everyone else in here believes that they’re ready. As a group, the puck drops tonight. I think we’ll all be ready."

The projected lineup for the Leafs includes:

**Forwards:** Matthew Knies - Auston Matthews - Matias Maccelli Bobby McMann - John Tavares - William Nylander Dakota Joshua - Max Domi - Nick Robertson Steven Lorentz - Nicolas Roy - Calle Jarnkrok

**Defense:** Jake McCabe - Chris Tanev Morgan Rielly - Brandon Carlo Simon Benoit - Oliver Ekman-Larsson

**Goaltenders:** Anthony Stolarz Cayden Primeau

The Leafs are set to face the Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night, marking the start of their quest for success this season.