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NHL Insider Sheds Light On When Exactly Auston Matthews Could Return To The Leafs Lineup

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Daniel Lucente
December 24, 2024  (1:56 PM)
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Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews seen during an NHL game
Photo credit: NHL Trade Talk

Auston Matthews has been once again sidelined from game action as he aggravated a previous injury, and an NHL insider has shed light on when exactly he can return.

An injury that took Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews out for a chunk of this season has been re-aggravated, raising new questions about when he could return to the lineup.

There's growing speculation the team could shut him down for a block of time. NHL Insider Chris Johnston reports Auston Matthews may be back next week, but questions persist as to whether Toronto should prioritize his long-term health.

"Obviously this break is huge, they can rest the body. Tanev blocked a shot late, he was game-time yesterday and given the sort of player he is, good chance he [Tanev] plays Friday.

It's a little less clear for Auston Matthews, it depends on how he feels, if he gets to Thursday, to Friday, if he's comfortable. I don't expect this most recent layoff to be an extended one, or bracing for something like what happened in November.

There's going to be discussion on what makes most sense cause they go straight into a back to back, it might be prudent to sit out until next Tuesday, but we'll hear more about that in a couple days."

- Chris Johnston


The Leafs are in a bit of an awkward spot. Matthews is a critical leader and two-way contributor, but rushing him back risks further setbacks. A hip injury, sustained against Buffalo, is particularly troublesome for a player reliant on his speed.

With the playoffs looming, they can't afford to have him on the sidelines in their most crucial games.

Another thing not helping, either, is that Matthews will take part in the Four Nations Face-Off in February. The Leafs can't stop him but might want to have a word about weighing risks and being fit for April.

At the beginning of the season, he had just 11 goals and 12 assists, and in general, looked one step behind.

Considering how Matthews plays on this team and considering the way the team has success, allowing him to take more recuperation and maybe playing him less could be that time better served.

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NHL Insider Sheds Light On When Exactly Auston Matthews Could Return To The Leafs Lineup

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