Matthews Inches Closer to Return as Maple Leafs Prepare for Back-to-Back

Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews continues to make progress in his recovery from a reaggravated upper-body injury, and a return to the lineup could be imminent.

Matthews participated in his second consecutive practice on Thursday, skating as an extra forward wearing a non-contact grey jersey. While he competed in drills and remained on the ice for the full 40-minute session, a definitive timeline for his return remains unclear.

Matthews Provided Positive Updates

“It was good to get out there in a team setting, get some reps,” Matthews said Wednesday. “Just kind of taking it day by day and see how it goes. Every injury is different, I think it’s always frustrating not playing but I’m just trying to be mindful of everything that goes on. It’s nice to still be around the guys a lot. Being able to take part in practice is big especially when you’ve been out for a little bit so like I said, I’m just taking it day by day here. I’m feeling good, feeling better every single day so just going to continue and hope for that positive progression.”

Coach Berube Remains Hopeful

Coach Sheldon Keefe echoed Matthews’ optimistic outlook, emphasizing the progress the star forward has made.

“That would be real ideal for sure to work with a line he is going to play with and compete and do all the things needed in practice,” Berube said. “It might be two practices.”

“Seeing him out here in practice and competing in a full practice is progress. He’s going in the right direction which is great. ” I know there’s no timeline and we are all looking for one but it’s great having him out there,”

Matthews has been managing this upper-body injury since training camp and missed nine games in November due to the initial issue. The injury was reaggravated on December 20 during a game against the Buffalo Sabres.

Map Leaf’s Records With and Without Matthews

Toronto went 7-2-0 without Matthews in November but is 3-3-0 during his current absence. Matthews himself had put up impressive numbers this season prior to the injury, contributing 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 24 games. This includes 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 11 games following a previous stint on the injury report when he returned in late November.

Toronto faces consecutive home games against the Boston Bruins on Saturday and the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday. While Matthews has yet to be formally ruled out, the hope is that another full practice session on Friday will clear him for a return to the ice.

Keep an eye on the Maple Leafs roster sheet throughout the weekend to see if Matthews is back in action.