Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews out with injury

Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Progressing Towards Return

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was seen skating with his teammates, although he will not be suiting up for Thursday’s game against the New York Islanders. Matthews has been sidelined for the past five games due to an upper-body injury and was recently placed on injured reserve.

Despite the setback, Matthews remains optimistic about his recovery process and feels that he is making strides towards getting back on the ice. Maple Leafs head coach, Craig Berube, has indicated that there is no definite timeline for Matthews’ return to the lineup, emphasizing the importance of allowing him to fully heal before making a comeback.

Last season, Matthews showcased his scoring prowess by winning the Rocket Richard Trophy with an impressive 69 goals. In the current season, he has already tallied 11 goals and 12 assists in 24 games, solidifying his standing as one of the team’s key offensive contributors.

While Matthews’ absence poses a challenge for the Maple Leafs, the team is focused on maintaining their competitive edge until their captain is ready to make his return. Fans can expect updates on Matthews’ recovery progress as he works towards rejoining his teammates on the ice.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on January 1, 2025.