The Maple Leafs are hopeful that Auston Matthews’ trip to Germany will bring clarity on his injury and help get their star player back on the ice. General Manager Brad Treliving confirmed that Matthews, who has been sidelined since Nov. 5 with an undisclosed upper-body injury, is seeing a doctor he has previously worked with. While the visit is largely for a general checkup, it also aims to address the injury.

Matthews has missed six games and will sit out a seventh when the Leafs face the Vegas Golden Knights. With only two games this week, the Leafs are using the time to their advantage, hoping Matthews will be able to return soon. Treliving assured fans there’s no need for alarm, stating that there are no setbacks and that Matthews is expected to skate again after the week is over.

Though details on Matthews’ injury remain scarce, Treliving stressed there’s no surgery involved. Matthews had five goals and six assists in 13 games before his injury. While his return this weekend is possible, it’s more likely that he will return next week.

Toronto is already missing three forwards, with Matthews, Max Pacioretty, and Calle Jarnkrok out, and now centre David Kampf has also joined the injured list. Despite this, the Leafs have continued to earn points, with Mitch Marner stepping up in Matthews’ absence, scoring 10 points in six games.

Marner’s strong performance has been a silver lining for the Leafs, with head coach Craig Berube joking that Marner could even play centre if needed due to the team’s lack of depth at the position.

Meanwhile, Ryan Reaves faces a five-game suspension for an illegal hit on Oilers’ Darnell Nurse, but Treliving and teammates, including John Tavares, are supportive of him during his absence. On the other hand, Max Domi is struggling offensively, sitting on a 13-game point drought, but coach Berube remains confident in his ability to bounce back.