Where Leafs star Auston Matthews has improved and regressed this year

Auston Matthews is still operating at a superstar level for the Toronto Maple Leafs but his overall play has been the source of much consternation for some factions of the fan base. The reigning Hart Trophy winner hasn’t matched his MVP level from 2021-22, leading some to conclude there’s something inherently wrong with the 25-year-old.

Matthews has fought through some injuries and recalibrated some aspects of his game, while it’s clear that he’ll fall short of the 60-goal plateau he reached last year.

“In terms of his impact on the game, and the way that he’s helped our team, I’m obviously very happy with the season that he’s had, how he’s competed and battled defensively, the growth that…