New Maple Leaf Matthias doesn't want to disappoint family, friends at home

Many players embrace the opportunity to play in front of friends and family, but Toronto Maple Leafs forward Shawn Matthias knows that doing so won't be easy.

"Any new team you come to, you want to do your best," Matthias, 27, told the Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby. "But for me to come here and play in front of friends and family ... I don't want to play awful because there will be lots of people critiquing my game. In the other markets, you wouldn't have had all these cameras here today, asking me questions. But it's special to be home. I don't take it for granted. I have to be responsible and accountable."

The 27-year-old grew up just outside of Toronto in Mississauga, Ontario. He spent his career with the Florida Panthers and the Vancouver Canucks, before signing with the Maple Leafs during the offseason.

Besides playing in front of friends and family, Matthias admits the idea of playing in front of newly appointed head coach Mike Babcock was something that also lured him to Toronto.

"I never played for Mike In Detroit, but I'm excited now," said Matthias. "This is where I wanted to go and he's a big part of that. We had a good meeting, I got home and talked to my dad and everything (with the Leafs) seemed to be going in the right direction. I don't see why anyone would not want to play here. It's going to be amazing."