Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews Laments 'Embarrassing' Play Ahead of Trade Deadline

Toronto's star center calls out team's lack of pride after latest blowout loss.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 2:47am

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The struggling Toronto Maple Leafs suffered another lopsided defeat, this time a 5-2 loss to the Ottawa Senators. Following the game, Leafs captain Auston Matthews did not mince words, calling the team's performance "embarrassing" and saying they need to show more pride in their play. With the Leafs now in last place in the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, a major roster shakeup appears imminent ahead of the NHL trade deadline.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs were expected to be a playoff contender this season, but their disappointing play has them spiraling towards the bottom of the standings. Matthews' blunt assessment highlights the team's lack of identity and direction, raising questions about the future of the franchise and the potential for a significant roster overhaul.

The details

The Leafs were outshot 40-23 and never seemed to be in the game against the Senators. This loss pushed Toronto into last place in the Atlantic Division, with a 27-24-9 record and a negative-15 goal differential that is the worst in the division. Since the Olympic break, the Leafs have lost to the Lightning, Panthers, and now the Senators by lopsided margins.

  • The Maple Leafs lost 5-2 to the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, March 1, 2026.
  • This was Toronto's third straight loss since the Olympic break.

The players

Auston Matthews

The captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs and one of the NHL's elite young stars.

Toronto Maple Leafs

An NHL franchise based in Toronto, Ontario that has struggled mightily this season and now sits in last place in their division.

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What they’re saying

“It was embarrassing to be honest with you. We have to have more pride in our play.”

— Auston Matthews, Captain, Toronto Maple Leafs

What’s next

With the Maple Leafs now in last place and seemingly headed for a trade deadline sell-off, the focus will shift to what major roster moves the team makes in the coming weeks to try and reshape the franchise.

The takeaway

Auston Matthews' blunt criticism of the Maple Leafs' 'embarrassing' play underscores the depth of the team's struggles this season. The once-promising Leafs now appear destined for a significant roster overhaul, raising questions about the long-term direction of the franchise.