Auston Matthews makes his feelings known about his strong return to Leafs lineup since return from injury

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews shared his thoughts after returning to the lineup following a recovery from an upper-body injury.

In the Maple Leafs' 3-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday, he made a notable impact by recording two points. Since his return, Matthews has accumulated seven points through two goals and five assists in just three games after missing six games due to the injury.

After the game, Auston Matthews said he felt good and had noticed an improvement in his performance. He also credited his teammates for their contributions.

"I think every night I felt better, and, you know, I just want to keep that momentum going. I think my linemates have been making noise on me. The chemistry seems to be drilling really well. And you know, it always helps them. The puck was in the back of the line, so it kind of gives a little confidence," Matthews said.

"But, just once you get one game at a time, and just continue to build off our game and what we're doing right now, and just keep being installed on both ends of the ice," he added (4:44).

Matthews has accumulated 30 points through 13 goals and 17 assists this season. Notably, Auston Matthews achieved a major milestone by recording his 200th multipoint game in just 589 games played following his two-point night against the Flyers.

Auston Matthews on selecting Joe Thornton for Maple Leafs' mentor trip

Auston Matthews selected San Jose Sharks legend Joe Thornton to mentor the Toronto Maple Leafs for a two-day road trip, facing the Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes.

Alongside Thornton, former Maple Leafs greats Doug Gilmore and Wendel Clark also joined the team as mentors during the trip. The Leafs captain shared his thoughts about selecting Thornton as a mentor during the trip.

He said:

"He's not just my mentor. I feel like he's almost everybody's mentor here. But no, we're close. We talk all the time. And I thought it was just a cool opportunity to bring him along."

"And, you know, with his jersey retirement this year, and just the relationship that he still has with myself, a lot of guys on the team, staff members, you know, it's been a treat to have him so far. So it's been a lot of fun."

Matthews and Thornton played together for one season with the Leafs during the 2020-21 campaign. The Maple Leafs will end their two-day mentor road trip against the Hurricanes on Thursday.