Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube provided a discouraging update on the health of star forward Auston Matthews.
Matthews, who was placed on injured reserve, was eligible to return on November 12, but Berube confirmed that Matthews will remain sidelined. He stated that Matthews’ recovery is not progressing as expected, noting that the captain has not participated in practice for the past two days.
“It’s just not getting to where it needs to get to, so we’re just trying to manage it,” Berube explained. “We’re making sure that when he returns, he’s 100 percent.”
While Berube emphasized that Matthews hasn’t had a setback, the team is proceeding cautiously to ensure a full recovery.
On November 11, general manager Brad Treliving also addressed Matthews’ status, indicating that the forward remains day-to-day. “No change. Day-to-day,” Treliving said. “We want to make sure we get ahead of it and hopefully put it behind us once and for all.”
Matthews, in the first year of his four-year, $53 million contract, has not played since November 3.
Precautionary Measures for Matthews The Leafs are being extra careful with Matthews, considering the season is still young. The nature of his injury remains unclear, but Berube mentioned the team is working to address the issue to prevent it from reoccurring.
“We’re all trying to figure it out and make sure we get him back, and that this doesn’t become a season-long issue,” Berube said. “It’s not something you want lingering, so we’re doing everything we can to avoid that.”
Matthews, the Maple Leafs’ captain, has been one of the league’s top players. He has appeared in 13 games this season, scoring 5 goals and adding 6 assists for 11 points.
Matthews Named Captain Matthews was named the 26th captain in Maple Leafs history in August, succeeding John Tavares. Matthews expressed his deep gratitude for the honor.
“I got chills, honestly,” Matthews said. “I’m so honored and humbled since being drafted here eight years ago. To wear the Maple Leaf on your chest every night means the world.”
Matthews, who was drafted first overall in the 2016 NHL Draft, has played 575 career games, recording 373 goals and 287 assists for 660 points.