The Maple Leafs May Need to Have a Difficult Conversation With Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews was ruled out ahead of last night's contest against the New York Islanders after reportedly re-aggravating the same upper-body injury that kept him out of the lineup for nearly 4 weeks in November.

When he was initially injured, the Maple Leafs believed it was in the day-to-day range. However, days turned into weeks before the captain travelled to Germany to see a specialist. He made his return and had scored 12 points in 11 games, but the re-aggravation doesn't paint a pretty picture.

To add to the hysteria, Matthews was one of the first names added to the American roster ahead of the 4 Nations Face-Off. It is the first international tournament since (outside of the World Hockey Championships that take place during the NHL playoffs) the World Cup of Hockey that took place in 2016.

NHL players have professed how badly they have wanted to compete in international tournaments, especially when factoring in the new talent and skill that would be employed to some nations - like Team USA. But with the 4 Nations Face-Off fast approaching, the Leafs may need to make a decision that could anger their new captain.

If Matthews remains on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, should the Maple Leafs request that their captain sit out the tournament for the betterment of his health and the team's future standing with the playoffs right around the corner? Many, including podcaster JD Bunkis, believe they should.

There's plenty of time between now and the start of the 4 Nations tournament and the post-season. However, the upper-body injury has been something nagging him since the pre-season and if it's already be re-aggravated once or twice, what's to say it won't happen again - especially at a tournament with zero implications towards the NHL season.

It's certainly a conversation that needs to be had and it would be slightly uncomfortable considering that national pride is at stake, but if his heath does not get better or if there's another re-aggravation, what's best for the Maple Leafs will need to be a priority.