Leafs’ Auston Matthews hits 65 goals on the season, tied for most in salary cap era

Toronto ended up losing the game in overtime, 3-2.

The California native’s tally matches Alexander Ovechkin’s mark that he set during the 2007-08 season, which (currently) stands as the most goals scored in one season during the salary cap era.

Matthews has been a goal-scoring machine this season, and has a chance to make even more history. With just five more games left in the regular season, the 26-year-old can become the first player in over 30 years to reach the 70-goal mark.

If he can stay consistent, and get some puck luck, that mark is certainly achievable.

The goal also gives Matthews his 101st point of the season. The 2023-24 campaign marks the first time in his career that he has reached the century mark.

Matthews has already hit the 60-goal mark once in his career, as he potted an even 60 during the 2021-22 season, a season that saw the 2016 first-overall pick miss nine games due to injury.

Matthews is in the final year of his five-year contract with an AAV of $11,640,250. His four-year extension, with a $13.25 million cap hit, kicks in next season.

In 557 games, Matthews has scored 364 goals and 642 points, including 22 goals and 22 assists in 50 playoff games. He is hoping to add to that total this spring.

The Maple Leafs (44-23-10) is third in the Atlantic Division, four points back of the Florida Panthers for second, and five ahead of the fourth-place Tampa Bay Lightning.