The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without their captain for at least another game, per TSN’s Chris Johnston. Auston Matthews has been dealing with a nagging injury that has been keeping him out of the lineup throughout this season. The 27-year-old will miss Saturday’s game against the New York Islanders. Furthermore, the three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner is “questionable” for Monday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets. Toronto’s tilt against the Isles is the second half of a back-to-back.
Hearing that Auston Matthews won’t be available to the #leafs tonight after reaggravating the injury that kept him out of games in November. He’s considered questionable for Monday’s game.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 21, 2024
On Friday the Maple Leafs took on the Buffalo Sabres, winning 6-3. Matthews took a few hits during this game, including one from 6-foot-6 Tage Thompson. The hit resulted in a response from defenceman Morgan Rielly, who challenged Thompson to a fight. It’s also worth noting that Matthews missed practice on the morning of that Sabres game.
Despite the re-aggravated injury, Matthews has seven points in his last seven games, including three goals.
Matthews’ Nagging Injury
It all started in the preseason when Matthews only played one game before sitting out the rest of the exhibitions. Eventually, he returned for the regular season. However, it was evident he wasn’t himself, as he only scored five goals and 11 points in 13 games to start the year. After Toronto’s game against the Minnesota Wild on Nov. 3, Matthews was classified as day-to-day with an upper-body injury. He ended up missing about three weeks and was required to fly to Munich, Germany to receive further treatment.
The team will not provide details on the injury, as requested by the player. Toronto’s captain is very private regarding the details of injuries or other reasons why he misses time. Head coach Craig Berube and the rest of the Leafs management have been cautious with Matthews’ injury, as they don’t want it to become more than it is. It’s also key for the team to do everything in their power to ensure he’s fully healthy by April when the playoffs come around.
Matthews has 11 goals and 23 points in 24 games this season with the Maple Leafs. He’s fourth in team scoring in goals and points.
Main Photo Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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