Maple Leafs Coach Craig Berube Shares What Information He Can About Auston Matthews

After taking a heavy cross-check from Buffalo's Dennis Gilbert on Friday, it was clear that Auston Matthews wasn't feeling quite right. When the captain was scratched against the New York Islanders on Saturday and again on Monday against Winnipeg, it became very clear that whatever he's dealing with is really impeding his ability to play at the top of his game.

After confirming that Matthews would miss a second straight game on Monday, Leafs coach Craig Berube provided a brief update on his captain, suggesting that the Christmas break would reveal a lot about how much time Matthews may miss.

With the Leafs off until Friday after tonight, it would give Matthews four more days to rest and recover ahead of a back-to-back with Detroit and Washington on Friday and Saturday. Will that be enough time for Matthews to recover from his injury setback? Berube isn't so sure.

The 3-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner has not been himself this season, scoring at a far lower rate than we're used to seeing from him. Thankfully, William Nylander is scoring at a much higher rate this season, which has helped offset the lack of production from Matthews for the Leafs.

In addition, the trio of Bobby McMann, Max Domi and Nicholas Robertson has been red hot of late, forming one of the best 3rd lines in the NHL at the moment, which has really helped to balance out the scoring in Toronto.

There is a contingent of fans and media members who believe that the Leafs should not allow Matthews to participate in the 4 Nations Face-Off and risking further injury. It's certainly hard to argue against that line of thinking.

Hopefully, with some time off over the holidays, Matthews will get back to doing what he does best, filling nets at an elite rate as his team approaches what is a very important post-season.