Former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Brandon Carlo has offered a glimpse into Auston Matthews’ leadership style inside the locker room.
Speaking on the Cam & Strick Podcast, Carlo described a room where leadership came from several NHL players. He identified Jake McCabe and Morgan Rielly as voices who regularly spoke up.
“I think it was more delegated throughout the group, but there was definitely some voices,” Carlo said. “I felt like Jake McCabe was very well respected within that room and would speak up quite a bit. Morgan Riley as well. I think he’s one of those guys.”
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While talking about Matthews, Carlo highlighted a different form of leadership. “Then Auston, I feel like it’s more so just when he does say something, like you said, everybody listens,” Carlo said.
Carlo stressed that Matthews does not need to constantly address teammates. “It’s not like he’s going to be harping on you every single time,” he explained.
Instead, Matthews’ words carry weight because of his position and reputation.
“But when he does speak up, the whole room’s going to listen,” Carlo said. “He’s your captain. Amazing player, amazing person, and he’s definitely one of those guys.”
The comments provide useful context around Matthews’ role as Toronto’s captain. They also challenge the idea that leadership requires constant speeches or visible emotion.
Carlo spent the 2025-26 season with Toronto before the Maple Leafs traded him to the St. Louis Blues in June. The defenseman played 88 games across two seasons with Toronto, including the playoffs.
Auston Matthews’ voice carries weight in Toronto
Carlo’s description suggests Toronto’s leadership structure relies on several established players rather than one dominant voice. McCabe and Rielly provided regular direction, while Matthews speaks when the moment demanded it.
That setup can help a team manage different situations during a long NHL season. Players can lead through communication, preparation, performance, and accountability.
Matthews’ influence also comes from his role as captain and franchise centerpiece. His production has placed enormous expectations on him, but Carlo says teammates respect his words.
The timing of Carlo’s comments also matters. Toronto enters 2026-27 after missing the playoffs and undergoing major changes across its roster and coaching staff.
Matthews is returning from knee surgery after playing only 60 games last season. He recorded 27 goals and 53 points before his campaign ended.
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New head coach Jim Hiller now faces the task of building a structure around Matthews and the revamped roster. Carlo’s comments indicate Matthews already commands attention within that structure. He does not need to become a louder captain. His former teammate’s account suggests his impact comes from knowing when his voice matters most.
That quiet authority could become important as the Maple Leafs try to establish a new identity around their captain.
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