Read the article that was made about his life. He's getting brainwashed by Justin Bieber, because Bieber is envious of him and wants to influence the Leafs. Matthews attitude changed completely since he became buddies with Bieber, he's no longer obsessed with hockey and is constantly looking for other things to get obsessed with like Tennis and Chess.
Reminds me a lot of Ricky Williams. He was a beast of a running back -- one of the absolute best in the NHL. He had a few monster years and looked like he was about to take the world by storm then started dressing and acting weird. Shortly after, he packed up and lived off the land and enjoyed weed -- right in his prime.
I'm definitely not saying Matthews will do this, but I've seen a huge change in him over the last few years and it's been a big transformation in terms of attitude, appearance, and work ethic. Even though the talent is still there (he won a Rocket last season), when it comes time to really knuckle down and up the intensity, like the playoffs, he just comes off as, "meh, whatever." All summer, all I saw online were pictures of him following Bieber everywhere and walking his puppy while wearing Disney character clothing and silly hats. This is not normal behavior for an elite, professional hockey player. Where were are the videos of him working on his game, getting in top shape, focusing on nutrition (like MacKinnon), etc.? They were nowhere to be found.
Then he decides to get wrist surgery late. No sure who's decision that was? And this year is just going through the motions like the Leafs didn't just get embarrassed the last two years in the playoffs.
I have no idea what happened to him. You may be right with the deeper Bieber stuff, but I honestly suspect that some "agency" or "celebrity handler" may gotten ahold of him -- maybe even introduced through Bieber -- and now he's more focused on being this cultural, fashion-focused celebrity than just focusing on hockey and helping the Leafs.
I hope I'm wrong but it doesn't look like it.
Last night against the Wings, he pulled an "Ovechkin disconnected controller" backcheck on a Wings goal.
And I sure haven't seen THIS kid since before Babcock got fired. Look at his intensity, passion and fire on every play. Where did this go??
