NHL: Buffalo Sabres at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn — Auston Matthews' injury shows no structural damage and recovery expected during Christmas break (Source: Imagn)

Auston Matthews injury update: Insider speculates possible return timeline for Maple Leafs’ captain

Modified Dec 23, 2024 16:00 GMT

Auston Matthews missed the Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders on Saturday because of an upper-body injury. He played and scored in the team's 6-3 win over the Buffalo Sabres the day before but did not fully participate in the morning skate.

Matthews took two hard hits during the Sabres game, one from Tage Thompson and another from Dennis Gilbert, but finished the game.

Discussing on Dec. 23's episode of the "First Up Podcast," insider Darren Dreger said Matthews' injury is not structural. He also mentioned that it is an aggravation of an earlier issue.

“It is more of the same, but it doesn't sound like the Toronto feel like they're going to have to take the same path to get Auston Matthews healthy enough to get back around the ice," Dreger said.

"And you know, we've been told that it's not structural what he's dealing with, and it is an aggravation of something similar to what took him out of the lineup earlier in the year. So it is a bit of a waiting game," Dreger said.

Dreger added the team is cautiously optimistic that Matthews can recover during the Christmas break.

"It seems like the group is more optimistic that, you know, with the Christmas break, that that could be sufficient enough time to get them healed up," Dreger added.

Dreger also praised the Maple Leafs for their cautious approach to injuries this season. He said the team is being careful with Matthews to ensure he heals properly.

Matthews missed nine games in November due to this injury. He returned on Nove. 30 and has played well, getting 12 points in 11 games since. The team has done well without him, sitting tied for first in the Atlantic Division with a 21-11-2 record.

Coach Craig Berube comments on Auston Matthews' status for Monday's game against Winnipeg Jets

Auston Matthews' status for Monday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets is still uncertain. He missed nine games last month due to an upper-body injury. He returned to play on Nov. 30 after visiting a doctor in Germany for consultation.

The Maple Leafs have not clarified if this new injury is related to his previous one. Coach Berube spoke about how the team performed without Matthews. He said that although the team’s scoring was lower, they focused on defense and checking.

“...We checked extremely well because we needed to,” Berube said. “Guys stepped up with him being out. They stepped up big for us, and I’d expect the same.”

The team has still not provided more details but confirmed the injury is not related to a wrist surgery Auston Matthews had in 2021.