Auston Matthews, $65,408,000 Leafs forward make their feelings known about being named in Toronto Maple Leafs Quarter-Century first team

Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner were honored as part of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Quarter-Century First Team. The Leafs recognized players who have made a significant impact for the franchise since Jan. 1, 2000.

Matthews shared his thoughts on the same after Saturday's win over the Boston Bruins:

"It means a lot, obviously, the history of this franchise. And we're in our ninth season here, and it's obviously special to be a part of a storied franchise like this, and to wear the Maple Leaf every day.

"So, it's not something I don't think anybody takes for granted. So just to be in the same breath and conversation with some of those guys like Matt, Cindy and et cetera, it's a big honor."

Marner, who signed a six-year, $65,408,000 contract in 2019, said:

"Oh, I didn't know. I mean, yeah, it's, that's very cool. Obviously, I think a lot of times as players, we try not to really enjoy accolades or anything like that. It's a team game, and we all know that.

"But yeah, it's very cool to hear, obviously, grown up watch Matt Sunday a lot, and idolized him quite a bit. So, yeah, it's cool to hear."

The Quarter-Century First Team includes Matthews, Marner and defenseman Morgan Rielly, along with Mats Sundin, Tomas Kaberle and Ed Belfour.

Auston Matthews has 379 goals and 672 points in 586 games, while Marner has 690 points in 615 games since joining the Leafs in 2016.

Meanwhile, Sundin, a Maple Leafs icon, scored 987 points in 981 games, while Kaberle contributed 520 points in 878 games. Belfour, a goaltender from 2002 to 2006, won 93 of 170 games with the franchise.

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Auston Matthews returned to lineup in 6-4 win against Bruins

Matthew Knies scored his first NHL hat-trick and added two assists in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-4 win over the Boston Bruins.

Meanwhile, Auston Matthews, returning from injury, scored and assisted twice. The Leafs captain had missed six games after a recurring injury on Dec. 20, which had caused him to miss nine games in November.

The Leafs took the lead in the first period through Jake McCabe. In the second, Knies deflected a shot from Auston Matthews to make it 2-0. The Bruins responded with quick goals from Morgan Geekie and Trent Frederic.

In the third, Knies scored again to give the Leafs the 3-2. After David Pastrnak had tied it at 3-3, Knies completed his hat trick with a one-timer from Auston Matthews. Marner then added an empty-net goal before Matthews sealed the win with another empty-netter. Joseph Woll made 27 saves in the win.