Leafs Reportedly Approve of Auston Matthews Playing Through Injury at 4 Nations Face-Off
Photo credit: TSN
Questions have been raised about the level of care players are receiving at the 4 Nations Face-Off, but the Toronto Maple Leafs see no issue with Auston Matthews.
Tonight's Canada-USA rematch is the most anticipated international hockey game in years, and the Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews says he wouldn't miss it for anything.
"Feeling a lot better. A lot better. Woke up Monday and just a lot of discomfort. Skating didn't feel very good, and so just made a decision with the staff to hold me out for that game and just focus on feeling better. So, definitely been making a lot of progress. I mean, there's no way that I was missing this game. I'll be ready to go."
While that may sound reassuring to fans of Team USA, as well as the Toronto Maple Leafs, valid questions have been raised on the level of care American players are receiving at the tournament, with the Boston Bruins reportedly very displeased with how an injury to Charlie McAvoy was handled at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
However, that does not appear to be an issue for the Toronto Maple Leafs, as Sportsnet's Luke Fox reports that their medical staff has been working in conjunction with Team USA on Matthews' injury.
"Four days off between Canada tilts has served him well. Team USA's medical staff is working in conjunction with the Leafs."
Matthews will play the 4 Nations Face-Off final in Boston, a city that has served as nightmare fuel for members of the Maple Leafs in big game situations.
He told reporters that doesn't bother him at all, and he's glad to be on the home side of things in Boston this time around.
At the other end of the ice will be Matthews' Maple Leafs teammate Mitch Marner playing for Team Canada.
Tonight is sure to be packed with fireworks, but if Matthews ends up missing time for the Maple Leafs coming out of this tournament, I'd imagine there will be questions about why he was given the green light to continue on with the playoffs just around the corner.
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