It’s the middle of August, and Auston Matthews has finished another midsummer workout in Toronto with Darryl Belfry, the Maple Leafs’ player development consultant.



Matthews usually spends a couple weeks in Toronto each off-season working with Belfry, after which he shuttles back home to Arizona.



It’s an interesting time right now for the Leafs’ young star.



Though he’s accomplished a lot in his first two NHL seasons, and could sign a very lucrative long-term extension any day now, there’s also been a trail of noise following the 20 year old. Some of it has been overblown and unwarranted. Most of it has been tied to a disappointing postseason in which he scored only once in seven games.



After pulling off his gear and throwing on a ball cap, Matthews — relaxed and sporting a light beard — took some time to speak with The Athletic about that playoff disappointment, along with a wide range of other topics,...