The historic moment is finally here! Auston Matthews Passes Mats Sundin to become the all-time leading goal scorer in Toronto Maple Leafs history. Explore the stats, the celebration, and how this record defines a new era of hockey in Toronto.
The atmosphere in Toronto has shifted from anticipation to pure celebration. For years, fans have watched a young superstar from Arizona redefine what it means to be a “pure goal scorer.” This week, the record books were officially rewritten as Auston Matthews Passes Mats Sundin to become the greatest goal-scoring force the franchise has ever seen.
Toronto Maple Leafs All-Time Goal Leaders
| Rank | Player Name | Career Goals with Leafs | Games Played |
| 1 | Auston Matthews | 421+ | 664 |
| 2 | Mats Sundin | 420 | 981 |
| 3 | Darryl Sittler | 389 | 844 |
| 4 | Dave Keon | 365 | 1,062 |
| 5 | Ron Ellis | 332 | 1,034 |
The Historic Moment: Matthews 421st Goal Against the Islanders
On Saturday night, January 3, 2026, the history of the Toronto Maple Leafs reached a new peak. In a high-stakes matchup against the New York Islanders, the moment arrived during the second period. With the score tied, the captain took charge. The Auston Matthews Leafs goal record was achieved in spectacular fashion, as he fired a one-timer past David Rittich, burying his 421st career goal in the blue and white.
It wasn’t just another goal; it was the culmination of ten seasons of relentless dominance. While the Islanders ultimately took the game in overtime, Auston Matthews Passes the night belonged to number 34. Breaking a record held by a legend like Mats Sundin is no small feat, especially doing so in over 300 fewer games than the Swedish icon.
Sundin and Matthews Comparison: Two Captains, One Legacy
The debate regarding who the greatest Leaf of all time is will always rage on, but the Sundin and Matthews comparison has reached a fascinating new chapter. Mats Sundin was the heart of the franchise from 1997 to 2008, Auston Matthews Passes known for his graceful skating and power-forward style. He represented a level of consistency that few thought would ever be matched.
Auston Matthews, however, has brought a different kind of magic to the Scotiabank Arena. Born in the desert of Scottsdale, Arizona, Matthews’ rise to becoming the Toronto Maple Leafs all-time goals leader is a story of modern skill. While Sundin had the big slapshot and legendary puck protection, Matthews possesses a “puck magnet” ability and a Auston Matthews Passes release that is considered the most lethal in the modern NHL. Even Sundin himself joined the celebration on Tuesday night, Auston Matthews Passes presenting Matthews with a commemorative plaque and joking that he thought the record would have lasted at least a few more years.
Auston Matthews vs Darryl Sittler: Chasing More Than Just Goals
With Sundin surpassed, the next legendary name in the crosshairs is Darryl Sittler. While Matthews has the edge in pure goal scoring, Auston Matthews vs Darryl Sittler comparisons often look at overall franchise impact. Sittler remains famous for his NHL-record 10-point game in 1976, a benchmark of offensive explosion that still stands alone.
Matthews is already moving toward Sittler’s record of 18 career hat tricks. With 14 under his belt at just 28 years of age, the captain is well on his way to owning every offensive category in the team’s history. The transition of leadership has also Auston Matthews Passes been notable; where Sittler often clashed with management during his tenure, Matthews has adapted to major roster changes—such as the trade of his star linemate Mitch Marner to Vegas in late 2025—with the grace of a true leader.
The Road Ahead: Team USA and the Hunt for the Stanley Cup
Now that Auston Matthews Passes Mats Sundin, the focus shifts from individual milestones to team success. Matthews is in his prime, having won three Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies and a Hart Trophy. He is set to lead Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 next month, where he will be a centerpiece of the American gold-medal hunt.
However, for Toronto fans, the only trophy that truly matters is the Stanley Cup. Passing the Auston Matthews Passes is a personal triumph, but Matthews has made it clear that his main goal is to engineer the first parade in Toronto since 1967. With a team that is currently showing more defensive structure and depth under coach Craig Berube, the dream of a championship feels closer than ever.
Conclusion: A Legend in Our Midst
Watching Auston Matthews Passes Mats Sundin is a reminder that we are witnessing one of the greatest careers in hockey history. He isn’t just a goal scorer; he is the engine that drives one of the sport’s most storied franchises. As he continues to stretch a mark that will be incredibly difficult for anyone else to reach, we should appreciate the “must-see TV” that is number 34 every single night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How many goals did Auston Matthews need to break the record?
He needed 421 goals to surpass Mats Sundin’s mark of 420. He reached this milestone on January 3, 2026, against the New York Islanders.
2. How many games did it take for Auston Matthews to reach 421 goals?
Matthews achieved the feat in just 664 games, significantly faster than Sundin, who took 981 games to score 420.
3. Who are the top three goal scorers in Leafs history?
The top three are now Auston Matthews (421+), Mats Sundin (420), and Darryl Sittler (389).
4. Has Auston Matthews won any awards for his goal scoring?
Yes, Matthews has won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy three times (2021, 2022, and 2024), including a franchise-record 69-goal season in 2023-24.
5. What is the next record Auston Matthews could break?
Matthews is currently chasing Darryl Sittler’s franchise record of 18 hat tricks and is moving up the list for all-time points, where he currently sits in fourth place.
You can watch the highlights and post-game reactions from this historic night in the Matthews Passes Sundin recap video. Auston Matthews Passes This video provides a direct look at the excitement surrounding the game where the franchise history was rewritten.
