NHL: Anaheim Ducks at Toronto Maple Leafs - Source: Imagn — Coach Craig Berube gave and update on Toronto Maple Leafs' captain Auston Matthews' injury. (Credits: IMAGN)

HC Craig Berube shares eye-dropping remark on Auston Matthews' status as Maple Leafs captain misses practice

Modified Dec 20, 2024 21:10 GMT

Auston Matthews is still recovering from an upper-body injury that has affected his play this season. He missed practice on Friday before the game against the Buffalo Sabres. Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said this was part of the team’s plan to help Matthews recover.

Berube spoke about the team’s approach to managing the star forward’s condition.

"It's tough,” Berube said. “He's fighting through it, and he's doing a pretty good job out there on the ice. He's producing and playing hard and working, and we just gotta manage it. It'll get better. We just gotta manage it. And that's why he's off the ice today."

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Auston Matthews, the reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner, led the NHL with 69 goals last season. Conversely, he has 10 goals and 12 assists in 23 games this year. Since returning from injury, he has had five goals and 11 points in 10 games, below his usual performance level.

Matthews missed nine games earlier in the season and traveled to Germany for treatment. Although he is back in the lineup, there were doubts that he has not fully recovered. With 10 goals and 12 assists, the Maple Leafs star remains an important player for the club.

NHL fans react to Berube's response on Auston Matthews

Craig Berube's response to Auston Matthews started getting attention from NHL fans on X. They raised concerns over how the Maple Leafs have assessed Matthew's injury. Some raised concerns about him playing in the 4 Nations whereas some want him to sit out until he is 100 percent recovered.

"Have him play through injury only for him not to get to 100% and get injured again come post season. Sounds like a great plan….," a fan said.

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"He better not play in 4 nations. The only tournament ANY LEAF should care about is @StanleyCup," another fan said.

"This is a concerning statement from Berube. Admitting Matthews is playing hurt and the team is managing the injury while playing him just over 20 mins a night since he returned. If this is 4Nations related, that is a huge risk for a nothing tournament." one fan wrote.

Here are more reactions to Auston Matthews's condition.

"Take him off center let him play rw," a fan suggested.

"Guy travled to Germany to see a specialist and he’s still injured 10 games later, yea we’re cooked," One fan said.

"LTIR that 13.25 and make some money moves," another wrote.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a record of 20-10-2. They are placed first in the Atlantic Division, continuing their strong regular season campaign.