Captain Auston Matthews is back after a minor upper body injury (Credit: IMAGN)
Auston Matthews returned to practice with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Friday after missing a few days due to an upper-body injury. Matthews played 20:26 minutes in the preseason game against the Ottawa Senators on Sunday and scored a goal.
Matthews did not play against the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday due to the injury. The team decided to be careful since it was only preseason.
“Feeling much better,” Matthews said after Friday’s practice (via insider Mark Masters). “Just maintenance stuff, nothing crazy, but just kind of needed a couple of days to let it settle down, and I’m feeling good now.”
Matthews’ recovery will be watched closely. Last season, he had 69 goals and 107 points in 81 games. He is expected to play against the Canadiens on Saturday.
William Nylander was also at practice. Insider Mark Masters noted that Toronto’s assistant coach Marc Savard is preparing for powerplay work. He also shared the Leafs’ powerplay lineup:
- The first powerplay unit included Rielly, Matthews, Marner, Nylander and McMann.
- The second unit had Ekman-Larsson, Robertson, Domi, Pacioretty and Knies.
Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube earlier mentioned that Auston Matthews’s injury was not serious
On Thursday, Craig Berube said Auston Matthews’ upper-body injury is not serious.
“We don’t want lingering injuries and things like that going on,” Berube told reporters. “So, we’ve got to make sure that we’re smart.”
Matthews is in the first year of his $53 million contract and was named team captain in August, replacing John Tavares.
Matthews said he’s honored to be the Leafs captain and aims to continue leading the team alongside other leaders.
“I’m incredibly humbled to be named captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs,” said Matthews per NHL.com, “I’m honoured to follow in John’s footsteps and continue our work in leading this team along with so many other leaders within our dressing room. This team, this city, and our fans mean everything to me. We all embrace the history of this franchise, and we are determined to get the job done.”
Tavares, the previous captain since 2019, supported the decision to appoint Matthews as the new leader. The team looks forward to starting the season with Matthews at the helm.
The Leafs will begin the regular season on Oct. 9 against the Canadiens.
