After a tense preseason battle between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa Senators, all eyes were on captain Auston Matthews—not just for his own sharp performance, but for the insight he offered into the team’s next generation.

As Matthews faced reporters with the poise of a true leader, he dropped several unexpected names that immediately sparked intrigue throughout Leafs Nation.

While the scoreboard showed a narrow overtime loss, the real story was unfolding behind the scenes: which rookie prospects had managed to catch the attention of the team’s biggest star?

Matthews’ comments went beyond the usual platitudes, offering genuine praise and revealing a glimpse into the inner workings of a team searching for its future stars.

His words hinted at a brewing competition among Toronto’s young talent, some of whom are now closer than ever to earning a spot on the roster.

But who truly impressed Matthews, and what does his endorsement mean for these prospects’ chances this season?

As speculation swirls and fans dissect every statement, one thing is clear—this preseason is more than just warm-up games. It’s a proving ground, and the stakes are higher than ever. Which young Leaf will rise to the challenge? The answers may surprise you.

Photo credit: Toronto Maple Leafs

Speaking to reporters after his first preseason game, Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews revealed who impressed him the most when it comes to the team’s prospects.

Toronto’s second preseason game didn’t go exactly as they had hoped as they came away with a 3-2 OT loss to their provincial rivals, the Ottawa Senators. It was all Leafs for the most part before the Sens got to Artur Akhtyamov and made sure his night was as difficult as possible.

But it was the first look at Auston Matthews this preseason and the captain looked in great form, however for him that wasn’t the focus of attention.

What Matthews Noticed About Toronto’s Young Players

Speaking to reporters post-game, he was asked about how he felt about the Maple Leafs prospects’ performance during the game, especially with Easton Cowan getting some pretty prime ice-time towards the end of the game:

Thought a lot of guys had a solid effort. I thought Cowboy (Cowan) played really well. I thought he was in the mix a lot made some plays, was responsible on both sides of the puck.

But it wasn’t just the team’s top prospect that earned a nod from the captain, as both Luke Haymes and Ben Danford were given top marks for their hard work and effort despite the loss:

Haymes I think was really good. Really steady player; I think he’s really smart.

I thought the young guys played well. Danny (Danford) You don’t notice him much back there in a good a way as possible. I think he makes solid plays, he’s a big body, I though him and O (OEL) compliment each other back there.

To hear Matthews be so supportive of his young teammates already even when there’s a chance they don’t make the team shows exactly the type of captain he is. He leads by example for sure, but isn’t afraid to give credit where it’s due and his words should be used as some serious motivation.

Rookies Making Their Case Alongside the Leafs’ Veterans

That motivation should carry them a bit easier to a potential roster spot this upcoming fall, and for a guy like Cowan; who is quickly earning a lot of praise from both teammates and coaches, it feels like it’s only a matter of time at this point.

He had a gorgeous no-look feed to Bobby McMann for a playoff goal on Tuesday, and was a spark plug on the ice, always active and fighting for pucks.

With guys like David Kampf and Nick Robertson still trying to earn their spots on the team, the more Cowan can outpace them, the more likely we see him come October.

Danford also has quickly grown into a solid shutdown defender thus far, and his inclusion in the lineup was a serious boost to Oliver Ekman-Larsson just by process of handedness, and it paid off.

Matthews’ comments were not meant to disparage Danford because that’s the player he is. Unassuming, hard-working, and doing the little things right. That’s the make of a consistent and long-term NHL player.

However the most surprising might be Haymes, who has been fantastic this entire preseason starting with the Prospect Showcase. The Dartmouth University product is expected to be a huge part of the Marlies this year, but should also fight for a call-up at some point.

All three players not only were able to put in a performance that was admired by the most important player on the team, but also ones that seriously put them in the running ahead of some normally, rock-solid names.

It looks like the future is bright in Toronto, and Auston Matthews is eagerly waiting to see how their young stars shine.