Auston Matthews' Return from Injury Awaits One Crucial Sign, Per Craig Berube
Craig Berube knows Auston Matthews will be back sooner than later, and the Leafs head coach says his return depends on one important thing.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have done very well without their captain. Going 6-1-0 and showing new life on the powerplay, coupled with their other stars stepping up in times of need; it's been a great run for the team.
However, the team would like Auston Matthews back sooner rather than later, and his latest trip to Germany caused quite a stir in the hockey world.
Fans were concerned he may need surgery, or the injury was worse than anticipated.
Auston Matthews calmed all nerves and explained the reasoning for his trip, which could be a huge factor in why he only had five goals this season before landing on the IR. In a positive note, he was seen skating with coaches on Saturday as he looks towards a return to full-time action.
Craig Berube certainly wants him back, and with all the positive progress the head coach thinks his captain will return soon but according to TSN's Mark Masters: He'll believe it when he sees it.
Auston Matthews' Return Depends On Practice
In the immortal words of Allen Iverson: Practice? We're talking about practice?
Yes, yes we are; and Auston Matthews showing up is a huge factor that will determine whether he's ready to return.
It's one thing to skate around with some coaches, but an NHL game is a whole new beast. If he can get into a rhythm with the team in practice, isn't feeling any ill effects, and can prove to Craig Berube that he's able to make an impact without risking re-aggravating himself then he's playing Wednesday.
On Sunday, it looked like Toronto was one step closer to getting him back, as he took part in their optional skate as well:
If Berube has an inkling that Auston Matthews isn't ready, then he has no reason to force him back in. They can activate Matthews off the IR, but they don't need to play him against Florida and he can suit up next Saturday against Tampa instead.
Will Toronto Be Alright Without Auston Matthews Again?
It's hard to be certain but given their track record this season and the past ones, Toronto does a lot better without their captain. They are 6-1-0 without Matthews, and it's allowed other players like Mitch Marner to not only lead the offense but add more to his game.
They are facing a struggling Utah HC club, and Toronto needs to take advantage of their momentum and keep pushing through. If Toronto wins tonight, that will set themselves up well enough to take on Florida either with or without their captain.
The question still lies in their production from the bottom half. Players are running out of time to get it going, and it might be a matter of time before they are forced out. Toronto is getting a lot of people back from injuries soon, and if their replacements perform well enough it could signal their time is done.
FAQ: Craig Berube Says Practice Will Determine Auston Matthews' Return
Q1: Why did Craig Berube say practice is the factor in Auston Matthews returning?
A1: Craig Berube says practice is a factor for Auston Matthews' return is because practice is the best way to determine how Matthews feels. Practice gives him a chance to get acclimated back with the team, and it gives both Berube and Matthews a chance to figure out how to best do things going forward.
Q2: When will Auston Matthews return?
A2: Auston Matthews has the potential to return to the Maple Leafs next Wednesday, and that depends on the previous practice factor we previously discussed. If he doesn't return then, it is presumed he will return next Saturday for the Nov. 30 game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
In closing, Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates on Sunday, but it's not confirmed when he will play. He has to potential to suit up on Wednesday if he is feeling healthy enough after practice on Tuesday, but if not it's more than likely he will play on Nov. 30.
