Now that Auston Matthews is once again injured, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube discussed with the media a possible return timeline for him. The Toronto Maple Leafs suffered an Auston Matthews-less lopsided loss on Saturday night, losing 6-3 to the New York Islanders. Toronto head coach Craig Berube was frustrated, at times, following the game, especially when the status of leading goal-scorer Auston <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/auston-matthews-has-suffered-another-injury-and-will-be-out-of-the-leafs-lineup-tonight' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Matthews was discussed</a>. Craig Berube estimated Matthews probably won't play on Monday in Winnipeg, but maybe a little later in the week if his hand is healthy. I'm not a doctor. I can't answer that question. I'm hoping here with the break coming up, he can get some relief, feel better, be ready to go, recharge. So, that's really all I could say about it. - Craig Berube <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/lukefoxjukebox/status/1870673840789192822'> </a></blockquote></div> Matthews' absence is very worrisome, and even before he sat out, he did not seem very explosive. He is suspected to have been brought back too early. Everyone talked about how slow he was, as he wasn't creating anywhere near the attacks he normally does. After scoring 69 goals last season, he's recorded only 11 goals and 12 assists. <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/toronto-maple-leafs/nhl-analyst-believes-auston-matthews-is-injured-here-are-the-details-and-whether-he-will-miss-time' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Matthews did admit to playing hurt</a> for part of the beginning of the season, which hasn't helped his numbers. The Leafs just aren't the same without him. <a href='https://www.nhl.com/mapleleafs/player/auston-matthews-8479318' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Matthews</a> hasn't looked himself out there, and the struggles are obvious. His teammates have kept up for the most part, whereas Matthews usually is in great positions but has looked a step behind lately. Toronto plays the Winnipeg Jets on Dec. 23 before going on a Christmas break that lasts until Dec. 27. That gives Matthews a much-needed break to heal. <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/sunhornby/status/1870682135616520360'> </a></blockquote></div> Berube is still optimistic his team will get a win before the break, and Matthews will be stronger when the season's second half begins.