Insiders Darren Dreger and Ray Ferraro Reveal Auston Matthews' Return Timeline
Insiders Darren Dreger and Ray Ferraro reveal when the Toronto Maple Leafs may get captain Auston Matthews back in action.
Darren Dreger and Ray Ferraro shared some insight into when Auston Matthews could be back in the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup.
Matthews has been out for the Leafs since reaggravating a prior injury that left him out earlier in the season, and has him missing his second extended period of time.
On the 'Ray and Dregs Podcast', Ray Ferraro speculated that as the Leafs have shown the ability to win without Matthews, that the team won't need to rush Matthews back into the lineup again with the team able to win without him.
In the January, February portion, they're going to win more than they lose whether he (Matthews) is there or not.
If there's an opportunity to take a stretch of time, this is the chance to do it. And so while everyone's waiting around, "is it today?, is it Tuesday, is it Thursday, is it next week?" and if it's after the 'Four Nations' what difference does it make? - Ray Ferraro
Dreger added to Ferraro's point that Matthews returning may come closer to when the Four Nations happens starting February 12th.
Auston Matthews Return May Not Come Until February At The Earliest
Matthews has 11 goals and 23 points in 24 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Matthews is to miss his sixth consecutive game since his injury returned, and it appears Toronto could have Matthews out for as much as a month if he is to return in time for the Four Nations.
Matthews, planning to represent Team USA for the first time since 2016, seems intent on returning to play for his country as a motivator, although he'll need to be at 100% this time, and not at half-strength as he appeared in his original return.
The Leafs likely won't be able to get Matthews off from playing at the Four Nations unless his injury isn't healed by then, as it's evident his goal is to put on the American jersey once again, something that won't distract him from a return with Toronto by any stretch.
Whenever Auston Matthews will be back, and it seems to be potentially as soon as a few weeks, some view the Toronto Maple Leafs as a team that, at least for now, is still a playoff contender without Matthews in the roster, as long as he's back for when they really need him come postseason.
