Will Auston Matthews’ leadership approach change the Maple Leafs’ NHL fortunes under Jim Hiller

The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing questions beyond scoring and defensive consistency heading into the 2026-27 NHL season. Auston Matthews is still the team’s top star and captain, but his leadership has been questioned once again after Brandon Carlo gave insight into the locker room culture in Toronto.Carlo said Matthews is not necessarily the loudest guy in the room day-to-day. Instead, it has been players like Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe who have been willing to speak frequently and hold themselves accountable, and Matthews’ words have more weight when he chooses to address the group.Can Jim Hiller maximize Auston Matthews for Maple Leafs?Jim Hiller can get the best out of Auston Matthews by building on his selective leadership style, while giving defined leadership roles to other veterans.Matthews doesn’t seem to need to be in every locker-room conversation to influence the Toronto Maple Leafs. As captain, elite goal scorer and franchise centrepiece, his words already carry a lot of weight.Hiller will have to determine when Matthews should step up vocally, and when veteran teammates should handle the day-to-day accountability.Why Matthews’ leadership style matters for TorontoThe leadership style of Auston Matthews is important because the Toronto Maple Leafs need more consistency after a disappointing 2025-26 season.Matthews played in 60 games last season, scoring 27 goals and 53 points. But Toronto ended the season with a seven-game losing streak, finishing 32-36-14.The results put extra pressure on all parts of the organization, including the captaincy. When the results are there, one can operate more quietly, but tough periods can raise expectations of a more visible reaction from the team’s main man.Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe can help Auston Matthews by talking consistently and holding everyone accountable in the Toronto Maple Leafs locker room.Rielly remains a veteran presence on Toronto’s blue line, while McCabe adds a physical and defensive element to the group.Their roles could be especially important in the Jim Hiller era. If Matthews keeps this selectiveness going, then guys like Rielly and McCabe can help bridge the gap between the coaching staff and the rest of the roster.The bigger question for the Maple Leafs is not whether Auston Matthews needs to be the loudest voice. It’s whether the current leadership structure can get better results if NHL games get difficult.If Hiller can combine Matthews’ impact with the daily leadership of Toronto’s veteran core, the approach could work as an asset, not a liability.Auston Matthews’ leadership style is once again under the microscope after former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo spoke candidly about the team’s locker-room atmosphere. Matthews is said to pick and choose his spots, and Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe are steady hands. New head coach Jim Hiller has to figure out how to best leverage this leadership structure in the upcoming NHL season.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.