Auston Matthews won't be on the ice for the Toronto Maple Leafs as they prepare to face the Detroit Red Wings tonight, following setbacks due to his upper-body injury. After missing the last two games, Matthews was absent from the morning skate held on December 27, generating more questions about his recovery timeline.
According to David Alter, the Maple Leafs' forward, who is age 27, has been sidelined since aggravation of his injury, which initially emerged during training camp earlier this season. Matthews was last seen playing on December 22, when he scored during the game against the Buffalo Sabres after receiving a cross-check from Dennis Gilbert. The goal during this 5-3 victory marked one of Matthews' notable performances, considering his recent struggle with form and fitness.
After he sustained his injury, Coach Craig Berube emphasized the need for Matthews to rest, stating, "He's going to rest here over the break and hope he returns in much healthier condition." Following this, Matthews sat out against the Islanders and the Jets, both of which ended up as disappointing losses for the Leafs.
With Matthews out, the team has made adjustments to their lines—Pontus Holmberg has stepped up to fill the second line, centering Matthew Knies and William Nylander. "He's doing well, so we will have updates for you tomorrow," Berube noted, trying to instill some hope among fans. But as of Friday morning, rumors surrounding Matthews' quick return were dismissed as he did not participate during the morning skate, increasing concerns about whether he would be back against the Washington Capitals the following day.
Berube stated, "I would say no for tomorrow too," after dismissing hopes for Matthews’ immediate return. He insists he is not offering anything more than daily updates until Matthews' condition improves. This uncertainty has contributed to the fanbase's growing concern and anxiety for the star forward.
The 2016 first-overall draft pick was shut down for the last two games leading up to the Christmas break due to the upper-body issue, frustrating fans eager to see him back on the ice. Although the team portrays confidence by saying there are no substantial concerns about his injury, it's clear Matthews has yet to find his stride since his earlier recovery efforts.
Notably, Matthews struggled through early November having missed nine games after flying to Germany for treatment pertaining to the same injury. His extended absence clearly affected his performance levels upon return. Fans have witnessed Matthews' reduction in shot velocity and skating speed compared to last season. TSN analyst Mike Johnson remarked on this significant change, making it evident to not only spectators but also to rival teams hoping to capitalize on Matthews’ evident difficulties.
Frustration among fans and commentators alike has led to discourse about whether Matthews should opt for potential surgery to address his upper-body injury rather than attempting to manage it through the rigorous NHL season. Given the Leafs' upcoming series of back-to-back games against Detroit and Washington, the chances of him returning to suit up this weekend appear low, particularly after his absence during Friday’s practice.
Despite his injuries causing him to miss games this season, he still managed to accumulate impressive statistics with 23 points (11 goals and 12 assists) across just 24 games played. To put this achievement in perspective, teammates Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares collectively remain high on the team scoring chart but have also played 10-11 games more than Matthews so far.
Remarkably, since joining the NHL, Matthews has registered consistent goal-scoring seasons, finding the net at least 40 times for five consecutive years. His potential for scoring continues to rank him among the top echelon of players throughout his career. Currently, he leads the NHL with 379 goals since the start of the 2016-2017 season, surpassing all peers, including Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl by 29 goals.
Intriguingly, as the Leafs navigate this stage, they’re grappling not only with the challenge of performance but also the overall team morale, especially as they try to maintain high grounds within the league without their leading scorer. It’s evident for both the team and its loyal fans: Auston Matthews is not just another player, but the heartbeat of the Maple Leafs.
Fans will eagerly await any updates on Matthews’ condition as the team continues through the season, hoping he can regain full health and help the team aim for greater achievements with his return.
