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Maple Leafs visit Matthew Mayich’s family during Arizona training stop
Stopping in Arizona before opening night, the Toronto Maple Leafs visited Matthew Mayich’s family and honoured the young Blues prospect during practice at Mullett Arena.
Published · Source: SportsnetLire en français →
As they finalize preparations for the 2026-27 season, the Toronto Maple Leafs used their time in Arizona to connect with the family of prospect defenceman Matthew Mayich. The team is in the state between its final pre-season game and Tuesday’s regular-season opener on home ice against the Montreal Canadiens.
Blues prospect Mayich hospitalized after August collapse
Mayich, 21, is a St. Louis Blues prospect who recently joined the Arizona State Sun Devils for the upcoming NCAA season. The Stoney Creek, Ont., native arrived at ASU after four seasons in the OHL with the Ottawa 67’s and one year at Clarkson University.
On Aug. 20, Mayich collapsed during an outdoor workout with the Arizona State hockey team and has been in hospital since. No further details on his condition were provided, but the Maple Leafs’ visit to his family comes as the young defenceman continues to battle following the incident.
Drafted by St. Louis in the sixth round of the 2023 NHL Draft, Mayich has yet to sign an entry-level contract with the organization. In 2025-26 with Clarkson, the left-shot blueliner posted seven goals and eight assists over 34 games, showing the offensive side of his game.
Leafs honour Mayich at ASU’s Mullett Arena
Toronto is using a five-day break between its last exhibition contest and opening night to skate and train in Arizona. On Saturday, the Maple Leafs held a practice at Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena as part of that stay.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Leafs players wore hats and T-shirts in Mayich’s honour at the rink before taking the ice. The hats displayed his "MM" initials and No. 27, while the shirts featured a picture of Mayich along with his number, offering a visible show of support.
The visit and on-ice tribute added a human element to what is otherwise a strategic training trip for Toronto. After wrapping up their time in Arizona, the Maple Leafs will return to Toronto to begin the regular season in front of their fans against the Canadiens.