Important update on Leafs superstar Auston Matthews
As the Toronto Maple Leafs are set to resume game action tomorrow against the Columbus Blue Jackets, they held their first mandatory practice since the All-Star break today. Before practice got underway, superstar forward Auston Matthews was on the ice in a red non-contact sweater and was among a handful of players skating early. Matthews is on day 15 of his rehab as he monitors a lingering knee sprain suffered on January 25th in an overtime win against the New York Rangers.
Matthew's injury timeline is set for three weeks. With the recovery process likely being aided throughout the week-long All-Star break, hopefully, Matthews time to return will start to ramp up within the next week. As practice was set for 2:15pm, Matthews stayed on the ice and participated in non-contact activities. With General Manager Kyle Dubas being available for questions today, he mentioned that there is no rush to return him to game action until he is "at least skating in full contact".
Before his injury on the 25th, Matthews was starting to heat up offensively with 25 goals and 28 assists, tallying 53 points in just 47 games. There has been discussion stating Matthews has been the best all-around version of himself on the ice this season and a key contributor to the Leafs success. Therefore, the Buds want him back to one hundred percent moving forward, especially to persevere him for the playoffs.
With Matthews returning to practice this afternoon, this is a positive sign that he's on the right track to returning soon. With his three-week mark approaching, assuming he is still on pace to return around that time, look for Matthews to make his way back into the lineup anywhere from the 15th of February (against the Chicago Blackhawks) forward.
| POLL | ||
9 FEVRIER | 237 ANSWERS Important update on Leafs superstar Auston Matthews How many more games will Matthews miss? | ||
| 1-2 | 41 | 17.3 % |
| 3-4 | 81 | 34.2 % |
| 5 or more | 47 | 19.8 % |
| Don't rush him - if he needs 10 off, give him 10 | 68 | 28.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
