In a moment that shook the NHL world on Tuesday night, Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews etched his name into hockey history, becoming the sixth-fastest player ever to reach the 400-goal mark. The 27-year-old star sealed the milestone with an empty-net goal against the Buffalo Sabres, capping off a 4–0 victory that not only extended his legendary status but also clinched the Maple Leafs’ first Atlantic Division title.
Matthews’ 400th goal didn’t just light the lamp—it lit up social media and headlines across North America. Achieving this feat in only 628 games, Matthews joins an elite echelon of NHL greats and has now drawn within 20 goals of franchise icon Mats Sundin’s all-time Leafs scoring record. For Toronto fans who’ve waited decades for a generational talent, this was the kind of performance that confirms Matthews isn’t just great—he’s historically great.
“It means a lot,” Matthews said in his postgame interview. “(Mitch) Marner definitely set up quite a few of those, so it’s a team accomplishment, I think. It’s a team sport. There’s a lot that goes into it and I’m just fortunate that it’s come off my stick a couple of times.”
But calling it “a couple” hardly does justice to his blistering goal-scoring pace. Since entering the NHL in the 2016–17 season, no player has scored more goals than Matthews. He’s posted nine consecutive 30-goal campaigns and boasts the highest goals-per-game average (0.64) among active players—including Alex Ovechkin, the modern benchmark for goal scoring.
Tuesday’s milestone goal came with more than just historical weight. It also cemented Toronto’s place atop the Atlantic Division, securing home-ice advantage in their opening playoff series against the Ottawa Senators. The looming Battle of Ontario playoff matchup adds yet another layer of drama to Matthews’ unforgettable night.
The magnitude of Matthews’ achievement becomes even more staggering when you consider the company he keeps. To reach 400 goals faster than most in NHL history is a feat typically reserved for all-time legends. That Matthews has done it while playing in one of the league’s most pressure-packed markets only adds to his legacy.
He’s a three-time winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy, awarded to the league’s top goal scorer, and now, with his 400th goal, Matthews is within striking distance of multiple franchise and league-wide records. Given his age and consistency, it’s not unreasonable to speculate that he could challenge Ovechkin’s all-time goal-scoring record one day.
With playoff hockey just around the corner and Matthews leading the charge, the Maple Leafs look more dangerous than ever. Whether he’s burying goals from impossible angles or leading by example as captain, Auston Matthews has made one thing crystal clear: he’s not just chasing history—he’s making it.
And for the rest of the league, that should be a terrifying thought.
