Toronto Maple Leafs legend Mats Sundin will be paying close attention to Auston Matthews' pursuit of the franchise's all-time goals record this season.
Sundin is the club's most prolific goal-scorer with 420, but Matthews is only 52 tallies behind as he enters his ninth campaign in Toronto. The Hockey Hall of Famer said he's proud to be in the top spot for now but is happy to pass the torch.
"It's nothing I really think about, obviously," Sundin said, per NHL.com's Dave McCarthy. "But I thought my career, my 13 (seasons) with the Leafs (1994-2008) were the most fun of my professional career, beating Darryl Sittler's record (389), and now obviously Auston is going to beat my record, whether it's this year or next year, and that's the way it's supposed to be."
Matthews has eclipsed the 60-goal mark twice in the past three campaigns, including a personal-high 69 last season. His career 0.65 goals-per-game rate projects him at 53 markers this season over 82 games.
If Matthews closes in on the record, Sundin hopes to be able to witness it.
"As long as I get an invitation," Sundin said, "For sure, I'll be here."
Sundin captained Toronto from 1997-2008 and said Toronto's decision to award the "C" to Matthews this summer was the right one.
"I mean, Toronto Maple Leafs is the biggest hockey franchise in the world, and so many great players have been captains, and it is a huge honor," he said. "Comes with the responsibility, but Auston is the top guy on the team.
"He's the leader, and he deserves it. I think it's something that's going to make him even a better player and feel like he's a captain for the team. Just don't change anything really, and he'll be fine. He's going to do great."
The Maple Leafs open their regular season Oct. 9 against the Montreal Canadiens.