Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving provided an update on Auston Matthews’ injury status on Tuesday. Earlier, the team confirmed that Matthews would miss their midweek game against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Matthews’ absence against Vegas marked his seventh consecutive missed game. He has been sidelined since the Leafs’ game against the Minnesota Wild on November 3rd. Despite being listed as “day-to-day,” Matthews was placed on injured reserve and has now been out for nearly three weeks, raising concerns and speculation about the nature of his injury.
Treliving’s update did little to ease worries. He revealed that Matthews traveled to Germany for a routine checkup on an upper-body injury. While Treliving downplayed the trip, describing it as standard, it raises questions: who flies overseas mid-season for a checkup? The situation has fueled speculation and unease.
However, Treliving suggested that Matthews could return for next week’s road trip to Florida. He reassured fans that Matthews’ recovery is on track and noted that Matthews has consulted this doctor in the past, emphasizing there were no setbacks.
Still, the secrecy surrounding Matthews’ condition has left room for concern. An overseas trip hints at something potentially more serious than what’s being disclosed. The Leafs, understandably, are cautious about revealing details that could give opponents a strategic advantage.
Speculation about Matthews’ injury includes a potential recurrence of his past wrist issues, which have previously impacted his ability to shoot effectively. The Germany trip has even sparked rumors of possible surgery, raising questions about his long-term availability.
The timeline of events adds to the confusion. Matthews transitioned from a “day-to-day” designation to missing multiple weeks. He skated on November 10th, suggesting a return was imminent, but has not been on the ice since, instead flying to Germany for medical evaluation.
Compounding matters is the fact that Matthews dealt with an upper-body issue during the preseason. Despite a dip in goals scored this season, his overall on-ice performance metrics remained strong, with an unusually high shooting percentage. This could indicate struggles with his shot, possibly tied to a chronic issue.
The Leafs’ cautious approach is understandable given the light schedule — just three games in 13 days — and their continued strong performance without Matthews. However, this success may not be sustainable long-term, and fans remain anxious about the franchise star’s health.
If Matthews is dealing with a more serious condition, such as a chronic injury or potential concussion, the situation becomes even more pressing. Decisions must focus on ensuring his full recovery rather than rushing his return.
Ultimately, the uncertainty surrounding Matthews’ injury will persist until he’s back in action, playing at his usual elite level. Until then, the unease among fans is unlikely to subside.