Leafs' Auston Matthews destined to follow Patrick Kane’s lead

Jan 6, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) is presented with a plaque for passing Mats Sundin as the all time leading scorer with 421 goals before a game against the Florida Panthers at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesToronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is earmarked to follow another fellow American’s lead. On Thursday night, Detroit Red Wings veteran Patrick Kane notched his 500th career goal. It was a remarkable achievement that firmly sealed Kane’s Hall of Fame case.

Kane is sixth on the all-time goal-scoring list for American-born players and is inching closer to Mike Modano for…