Auston Matthews Travels Overseas for Treatment, Leafs GM Brad Treliving Confirms
Photo credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-Imagn Images
Brad Treliving spoke with the media following Leafs practice on Tuesday and provided an unexpected update on the health of Auston Matthews.
It is unclear as to when Matthews suffered his mysterious upper-body injury, but many believe it worsened during his last appearance in the Leafs' lineup against the Minnesota Wild on November 3rd.
That same week, Matthews was placed on injured reserve and given a day-to-day designation, leading many to expect him to be back in the lineup in short order. Unfortunately, that has not been the case and he has now been 'day-to-day' for nearly 3 weeks.
With no practice on Monday, Craig Berube made an appearance and spoke to reporters and provided an update that concerned many, given that Matthews has remained off the ice for a prolonged period of time with no real explanation as to what is wrong.
On Tuesday, Brad Treliving broke the news that Matthews is currently in Munich, Germany, accompanied by the Leafs' team doctor, seeing a specialist that he has worked with in the past.
"I'm protective of our players. We want to share as much as we can, but anything that puts the player at jeopardy, I'm not going to do that. There's not surgery."
-Treliving on Matthews
-Treliving on Matthews
While that sounds concerning, Treliving provided a positive timeline for the return of Matthews, noting that when he returns, he is expected to resume skating and may play on Sunday against the Utah Hockey Club.
While his return on Sunday would breathe a sigh of relief into Leafs Nation, Treliving noted that they are more focused on Matthews being ready to return next week when the Leafs visit the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers.
Frustration has mounted over the secrecy surrounding his injury, but Treliving did not give into media pressure, saying nothing more than that it was an upper-body injury.
While Matthews' injury will likely remain a mystery when he returns, at least there is now a timeline for when we can expect him back in the lineup.
Through 13 games this season, Matthews had just 5 goals and 11 points, which caused concern in and of itself among Leafs fans, as Matthews' start was much slower than last season.
Hopefully a rested an rejuvenated Matthews will be ready to go next week and can resume putting the puck in the net at an elite level, like only he can.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 19 | 3192 ANSWERS Auston Matthews Travels Overseas for Treatment, Leafs GM Brad Treliving Confirms What do you think is Matthews' injury? | ||
| Wrist | 685 | 21.5 % |
| Back | 736 | 23.1 % |
| Shoulder | 1018 | 31.9 % |
| Other | 753 | 23.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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