Top NHL insider reports Auston Matthews' injury will be "eliminated entirely" post extended rest period

By Abhishek Dilta

Modified Nov 15, 2024 04:51 GMT

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury. His last appearance was in the Leafs' 2-1 win over the Minnesota Wild on Nov. 3, where he recorded one point.

Matthews is well on his way to recovery, but it remains to be seen when he'll finally be back in the lineup. NHL insider Chris Johnston shared that there is optimism surrounding Matthews' recovery, suggesting that the injury could be completely resolved after an extended rest period.

Johnston noted that the current schedule is beneficial for the Leafs, as they will have only three games in the next two weeks. The timeline provides Auston Matthews with a good opportunity to gradually increase his activity in practice before making his return to the lineup.

Johnston said (via TSN's Thursday's edition of Insider Trading):

"I can tell you there is some optimism here. Not only is his recovery believed to be moving in the right direction, but there is a feeling that when he does return, he will be completely over this issue, that this rest period will basically eliminate the issue entirely for Auston Matthews.

"The schedule is also in the favor of the Leafs at this point in time. They played already five back-to-backs this year, but right now they only have three games in 13 days. And so that gives a nice window here for Matthews to ramp himself up through practice and eventually return to the lineup," he added.

Matthews has notched up 11 points through five goals and six assists in 13 games this season.

Leafs coach provides latest update on Auston Matthews injury

Earlier this week, Leafs HC Craig Berube was asked about the status of Auston Matthews and whether he has faced any setbacks in his recovery.

Berube denied the notion, stating that it's just not progressing as it should, so they are trying to manage it:

"Not really. It's just not getting to where it needs to get to, so we're just trying to manage it. Just trying to make sure when he comes back he's good and 100%."

The Leafs (10-6-2) are second in the Atlantic Division and seventh in the league standings. They'll host the Edmonton Oilers (8-7-1) at Scotiabank Arena next on Saturday. The puck drops at 7 p.m. ET.