Auston Matthews’ 2025-26 season ended after suffering a serious knee injury, but the Maple Leafs captain also has been spending the off-season getting another part of his body back in top shape: His back.
The Maple Leafs goal sniper has been spending time over the off-season in his native Arizona with sports chiropractor Shawn Robek, who is known for helping athletes deal with back pain.
Robek recently revealed that he has been working with Matthews on some “biomechanical issues” this off-season “to make sure Auston can perform at his best.”
Robek spoke about his relationship with Matthews during a radio interview on TSN 1050’s First Up on Thursday morning.
The chiropractor, who says he met Matthews four years ago through fellow NHLer Clayton Keller, said it has been an “absolute privilege” to work with the Leafs star.
“The level of commitment he puts into taking care of himself in the offseason is remarkable and unique. He is certainly a one-percenter,” Robek said of Matthews. “Working with someone who has that diligence to get better and perform at his best.”
What has Robek been doing for Matthews?
While Robek didn’t get into precise detail about his work with the Leafs captain, he did mention that Matthews’ lower back “was not the concern this year.”
“Obviously, we’re taking care of his knee, so I was part of the team addressing the soft-tissue structures associated with that injury, but also throughout the rest of the chain,” Robek said. “As you know, when the knee gets hurt, other regions of the body are going to take some abuse as well.”
How and when was Matthews injured?
Matthews’ 2025-26 season ended after suffering a torn MCL following a knee-on-knee hit by Anaheim Ducks defenceman Radko Gudas during a game in March.
But there have been questions regarding Matthews’ health since he took a heavy fall into the boards during a game against the Red Wings in the 2023-24 season.
Matthews had just been stopped on a backhand attempt in front of the goal when his momentum carried him past the net and he was accidentally tripped up by William Nylander and went back-first into the boards.
Since that incident, Matthews scored a total of 60 goals over 127 games in the next two seasons after having led the league with 69 goals in 81 games during the 2023-24 campaign.
Who else has Robek treated?
Robek’s treatment of Matthews began to receive attention online after the chiropractor posted about his work with Matthews on Instagram.
“One of the best parts of surviving the 115-degree Scottsdale heat is getting to work with this guy during the summer,” Robek wrote. “Auston always brings a smile, works hard and is an absolute pleasure to have in the office.”
Matthews isn’t the only member of the Leafs to visit Robek, either. On Thursday, he shared a photo of himself with defenceman Troy Stecher from his office.
“Absolute privilege to work with Troy Stecher,” Robek captioned the post. “The man puts in the work, brings the laughs, and never misses a beat.”
Robek also has worked with Edmonton Oilers superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
“When you get a call and somebody asks you to potentially work with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl and be part of their team, it immediately elevates you,” Robek said. “It says, ‘Oh boy, it’s go time. Let’s go to the next level.'”
What can Leafs fans expect from Matthews?
As for Robek’s prognosis and prediction for the upcoming season, the chiropractor hopes to see “greatness.”
“These are legendary people in the industry, and there is no stone left unturned to make sure there is greatness in the 2026-27 season,” he said.
“Working with (Matthews) and being part of this team has been quite a unique process. It’s fun seeing Auston come in with energy, a smile, and optimism.
“He’s ready to go, he’s very energetic, and it’s going to be a fun season to watch.”