Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews has been enjoying a peaceful summer filled with family gatherings and time with close friends, including rounds of golf with fellow NHL players Clayton Keller and Joe Thornton. His offseason has been a blend of relaxing moments and connecting with loved ones, reflecting the importance of these bonds during the break.
On Saturday, Matthews posted a series of photos on Instagram that captured his summer experiences. The images showed a variety of serene settings, from a picturesque ocean sunset to an inviting outdoor dining area basked in warm golden light. Another photo revealed Matthews seated in a car with his dog Felix, highlighting the simple joys of time spent with his pet.
Additional pictures featured Matthews alongside his parents and siblings on a mini putting green, where his sisters held their dogs while his own pup comfortably stood at the center. One snapshot showed Matthews with friends, including ice hockey professional Trevor Cheek and a young child, while another portrayed him and his father Brian Matthews sitting on a bench, smiling with Felix between them. The final image captured a golf outing with Clayton Keller and Joe Thornton, showcasing the camaraderie and sportive spirit shared among the group.
Auston Matthews Shows Support for Justin Bieber’s New Album
During the same weekend, Auston Matthews publicly expressed enthusiasm for Justin Bieber’s surprise album Swag. Through Instagram stories, he highlighted two tracks from the album, YUKON featuring a black cover artwork with the title SWAG and parental advisory, and WAY IT IS featuring Gunna, captioning the latter simply with “Yep.”
Bieber, known for his strong affinity for the Maple Leafs, recently shared pictures of his son Jack Blues Bieber wearing Matthews’ No. 34 jersey. This tender gesture was noted by the Leafs’ official account, which responded with blue heart emojis. Bieber has been a familiar presence at Scotiabank Arena over the years, attending games and even collaborating on a special jersey design with the team.
During the previous playoffs, Bieber and his wife Hailey were seen at Game 7 against the Florida Panthers sitting behind the Leafs’ bench. Bieber also shared selfies from the game, featuring both Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews in the background, further emphasizing his connection to the team.
The Importance of Family and Friendship During the Offseason
Auston Matthews’ summer activities underscore the value he places on close relationships and downtime away from the rink. Engaging in golf with NHL peers like Clayton Keller and Joe Thornton provides a relaxed environment for camaraderie, while moments with family and his dog Felix offer comfort and joy.
This balance of professional and personal time is essential for sustaining the focus and energy required in competitive hockey seasons. As Matthews looks ahead, the memories and support built during this summer break will likely fuel his drive in the upcoming NHL campaign.