Maple Leafs Place Auston Matthews on Injury Reserve, But It's Not What You Think
The Maple Leafs once again placed Auston Matthews on the IR on Tuesday however, the move is more or less just a placeholder in order to bring up a body.
After being injured against the Buffalo Sabres before Christmas, Auston Matthews triumphantly returned to the ice on Monday and participated in practice as a regular before leaving just to make sure he didn't overwork himself.
However what seems like a huge positive is now all for naught as Matthews was placed on the IR retroactive to his last game played. The announcement was made by the Maple Leafs official PR account on X.
The team called up defenseman Marshall Rifai in response, and Toronto will need all the reinforcements they can get after the Matthews placement and some injuries to their blueline.
However, the move isn't one that is going to keep Matthews out for long however. According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, the move is merely a paper one due to the fact that the Leafs captain can simply return at any time, not held back by any schedule restrictions or rules.
Matthews' Return Will Be Make Or Break For Him
Given this is his second absence already this season, it is going to be a big test for Matthews when he does return. Does he end up coming back stronger than ever, or will he once again falter? Either way, he's going to be under the microscope every time he takes the ice.
If he is able to get over his injury and bring what fans and his teammates expect of him then more than likely this injury will be long forgotten and ignored. But if he continues to not produce at his level, or keeps getting hurt then the backlash will be resounding.
11 goals for someone who is often referred to as the NHL's best scorer is quite perplexing, and for the Maple Leafs who often rely so heavily on Matthews; the lack of offense is worrying. The team needs their captain as much as they can succeed without him, he makes their job a heck of a lot easier.
Giving him enough time to rest and recover can only benefit Matthews, and this move allows them to take things as a day by day operation. But if he comes back and gets hurt again or can't perform?
Fans will be in store for another disappointing playoff performance...or worse.
