Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews says Wednesday return possible

Auston Matthews Eyes Possible Return to Action After Germany Trip

Auston Matthews, the injured captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is back in Toronto and is considering a return to action on Wednesday following a visit to a doctor in Germany.

Matthews has been sidelined for seven games due to an undisclosed upper-body injury but was able to skate during a practice session at Ford Performance Centre on Saturday morning.

“It was a good day to get back on the ice,” Matthews shared with reporters. “We’ll take it day-by-day, continue to progress on the ice, and see how this week unfolds.”

“Obviously, I would love to get back out there. While Monday may not be realistic, Wednesday is a possibility,” he added.

The NHL’s reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner, Matthews revealed that the injury initially surfaced during the pre-season and worsened as the regular season progressed.

Prior to his absence, the 27-year-old center had recorded five goals and six assists in 13 games.

“I felt it was necessary to take a step back, re-evaluate, and take things day-by-day,” Matthews explained. “Although it wasn’t getting worse, it wasn’t improving either, so I decided to be proactive. The Maple Leafs were very supportive of my decision.”

Matthews sought a second opinion from a trusted doctor in Germany, where he spent approximately five days. He expressed feeling significantly better following the consultation.

“Many athletes, not just in the NHL but across various sports, often seek second opinions or advice from sources outside of their team,” Matthews noted. “Taking control of their medical care and well-being is not uncommon.”

Toronto is set to face the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday before heading to Florida for a matchup against the Panthers on Wednesday.

Despite Matthews’ absence, the Maple Leafs have managed a strong 6-1-0 record in recent games.

This report by The Canadian Press was originally published on November 23, 2024.