Toronto Maple Leafs Take a Deep Breath with Auston Matthews Injury

The last thing that the Toronto Maple Leafs wanted to learn was that Auston Matthews was hurt. Though that’s the case, it shouldn’t be too worrisome.

Just when the Toronto Maple Leafs thought their injury woes couldn’t get any worse, they did. This time it is their superstar center, Auston Matthews, who will be out of action.

The latest victim of the injury bug has been listed as day-to-day. Matthews has been sidelined due to an ongoing problem with his wrist. As reported by Darren Dreger, Matthews’s agent, Judd Moldaver, has said that his client has been dealing with a nagging pain in his wrist for at least three weeks.

Everyone invested in Matthews’s well-being, including the Maple Leafs, have decided that the best thing for the 22-year old is to get some rest. While there is never a good time for an injury, this has to be the best-case scenario for both the player and the team.

Toronto Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews

Matthews will have time to recover while there is a break in the schedule. The Leafs’ next game is on Jan. 27 in Nashville thanks to having both the NHL All-Star Game and bye week between now and then.

It is expected that Matthews will be ready to participate in action when the Toronto Maple Leafs take on the Predators. That means the only game that Matthews will miss should be the 3-on-3 All-Star exhibition.

Unfortunately, after Matthews was named to his fourth consecutive All-Star Game, he was forced to pull out.

Taking his place on the Atlantic Division team at the annual showcase weekend will be the Ottawa Senators’ center, Brady Tkachuk. For Tkachuk, this is a great opportunity. Not only will he be playing in his hometown, but he will get the chance to enjoy the honour with his agitator brother Matthew, who will also be participating in the game.

Though Matthews will be receiving treatment over the next number of days at his home in Scottsdale, Ariz., he is still expected to make an appearance in St. Louis, Mo. While he won’t be in his gear to participate in any of the All-Star events, Matthews will be at the rink to cheer on his colleagues.

Too Many Injuries

Injuries have been a constant nuisance for Matthews throughout his career. He was forced to miss four weeks due to a separated shoulder, was held off the ice with back issues, and lost time thanks to a concussion. Luckily, it doesn’t appear as though Matthews’s latest flirtation with injury is too severe.

The Maple Leafs are fortunate that Matthews will be able to resume playing so quickly. They currently find themselves outside the playoffs picture looking in.

It’s an extremely tight race that has the Maple Leafs sitting fourth in the Atlantic, four points behind the Florida Panthers and five behind the surging Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Leafs are trying to gain ground on their division rivals while waiting for several key players to return from the injured reserve. Ilya Mikheyev will not be returning until close to the end of the season after he’s recovered from surgery.

Jake Muzzin should be back soon from his foot injury and Morgan Rielly will be out of the lineup for approximately two months thanks to his foot injury.

Hopefully, the rest and time at home help rejuvenate Matthews and allows him to return with fresh legs, ready to take on the challenge of getting his team a postseason berth.