Are the Maple Leafs Hiding the Full Extent of Auston Matthews' Injury with Latest Update?
Auston Matthews has missed the last week due to an upper-body injury and was supposed to return Tuesday but is doubtful. Is Toronto hiding something?
As Toronto heads into Scotiabank Arena for the Battle of Ontario on Tuesday, they want to keep their three-game win streak alive amidst a strong showing from everyone from top to bottom. Toronto could have had their superstar Auston Matthews back in order to add some additional firepower.
But it looks like Toronto wants to act cautiously with their captain. TSN's Mark Masters reported on X that Matthews is currently doubtful for Tuesday according to head coach Craig Berube:
Does Toronto Even Want Matthews Back Yet?
Berube's sentiments echo what Maple Leafs analyst Nick Kypreos said a week ago regarding Toronto taking their time with Matthews as opposed to rushing him back for no good reason.
Toronto has been doing absolutely fine without their captain, going 3-0-0 over the last week and outscoring opponents 11-2; so they aren't having issues putting the puck in the net. Their powerplay has exploded into a dominant force, and their defense has quietly become one of the league's best.
Toronto's Injury Woes Heed Caution
With news that Max Pacioretty is going to be out for an extended period of time due to a lower-body injury, Matthews' return should be taken extremely lightly, as the team can't risk another long-term injury. Toronto will need names like Bobby McMann, Nick Robertson, and Pontus Holmberg to step up in the wake of these absences.
Toronto not only needs to be cautious about bringing people back too soon, but it needs to be cautious about how they play. This litany of injuries could be a factor of Craig Berube's system, and while he can't afford to have them take the foot off the gas, he needs to be careful not to overwork his players.
Toronto is going to be fine without Matthews on Tuesday. They have Connor Dewar returning and there are several internal and external options that the Maple Leafs can utilize to fill those spots. Let's just hope that Toronto isn't trying to lead fans astray with just how badly their captain is hurt.
