Leafs Captain Auston Matthews Shrugs Off Injury Scare Ahead of Rematch With Canada

Team USA captain Auston Matthews was a surprising, late scratch against Sweden Monday due to what reporters revealed as "upper-body soreness".

Initially, Leafs Nation was understandably concerned that Matthews may have re-aggravated the injury that held him out for most of November and again for a few weeks in December before returning on January 4th against the Bruins.

The former first-overall pick admitted earlier this season he could be plagued by his injury all year long, but eased the minds of fans on Wednesday following Team USA's practice.

Matthews noted that his most recent ailment was not related to his previous upper-body injury this season and told reporters in Boston that he feels good.

As noted on Monday by Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, he was expected to play on Thursday despite the injury, which Matthews emphatically confirmed.

The 3-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has just 1 point in the 4 Nations Face-Off despite playing on the top six for Americans. The team had scored 9 goals in the two games he has played.

The 27-year-old has skated in just 40 games with the Leafs due to injuries, but has still produced 20 goals and 45 points, marking his 9th consecutive 20-goal season.