Remarks From Auston Matthews and Craig Berube Leave Room for More Questions

When Auston Matthews took regular line rushes with some new linemates on Tuesday at practice, fans were pretty certain he'd make his highly anticipated return on Wednesday against the Panthers.

While that was certainly the hope, some remarks made by the player himself have left fans a little less certain.

Matthews told the media following his first full practice since the start of November that he "felt really good", but didn't establish whether or not he felt ready to return tomorrow night.

Similarly, Leafs head coach Craig Berube told the media in Toronto on Tuesday that Matthews was trending in the right direction, but also left the return date entirely up to the captain himself.

Matthews last played against the Minnesota Wild on November 3rd in a game that his team lost by a score of 2-1 in overtime.

The 3-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner recently revealed that his injury was something that had been bothering him since before the season began, which ultimately led to him travelling to Germany to receive treatment.

Thankfully, surgical intervention was not required and, as GM Brad Treliving revealed last week, when Matthews does return, it will be at 100% health.

Matthews has recorded just 11 points through 13 games this season, but with his injury issues almost entirely behind him now, there's hope that he can really pick up the pace and produce goals like only Auston Matthews can.