Latest Development Regarding Auston Matthews Paints Confusing Picture for Maple Leafs
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Thankfully, the organization confirmed that the move was nothing more than a paper transaction to open up a roster spot for the Leafs to be able to carry 23 players on their roster.
The expectation after that announcement was that Matthews would make his highly anticipated return on Thursday in the Leafs' grudge match with the Islanders in Long Island after securing a 3-1 win on home ice on Tuesday. Now, it's not so clear.
On Wednesday morning, as the Leafs took to the ice for a New Year's Day practice, Auston Matthews was once again a participant, but while many had expected him to be wearing his usual top-6 blue, the captain stepped foot on the ice wearing an extras grey sweater instead.
The feeling among fans at the moment seems to be one disappointment, with many already ruling Matthews out for Thursday's game.
The Leafs do, however, have a back-to-back
this weekend coming up against Boston and Philadelphia, so if Matthews is unable to return on Thursday, as originally projected, then he could be aiming to get in some extra practice time with the hopes of returning this weekend.
If Matthews misses Thursday's clash with the Isles, it will mark his 6th consecutive game on the sidelines. The captain also missed 9 games in December with the same
mysterious upper-body injury.
The positive note here is that Matthews did not depart for
Germany again for treatment, so whatever is ailing him appears to not be as bothersome as it had been previously. Progress is progress.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
JANVIER 1 | 2211 ANSWERS Latest Development Regarding Auston Matthews Paints Confusing Picture for Maple Leafs Assuming Matthews comes back this weekend, who should his wingers be? |
Knies and Marner | 1089 | 49.3 % |
Knies and Nylander | 483 | 21.8 % |
Pacioretty and Marner | 505 | 22.8 % |
Other | 134 | 6.1 % |
List of polls |
|
2 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry Leafs Coach Craig Berube May Have Just Revealed Anthony Stolarz's Expected Return Date |
|
6 hours ago | By Mike Armenti One Team Reportedly Prepared to Pay Leafs Star and Pending UFA Mitch Marner a Ridiculous Salary |
|
6 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Significant Developments Coming From Leafs Practice Involving Marner and Ekman-Larsson |
|
8 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry Maple Leafs Play Some Mind Games With the Media Before Ultimately Confirming Starting Goalie |
|
10 hours ago | By TJ Tucker Craig Berube Calls Out Leafs Defenseman Morgan Rielly, Reveals What He Needs From Him |
|
12 hours ago | By Nick Matthews Trading Max Domi Not So Simple for Leafs, Especially with Recent Comments from Auston Matthews |
|
13 hours ago | By Dean Chaudhry Craig Berube's Recent Comments May Be His Way of Pushing Maple Leafs to Acquire a Specific Asset |
|
14 hours ago | By Ryan Smitheram Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Rejects Controversial Question From Reporter |