Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed Friday that Auston Matthews is still dealing with the upper-body injury that sidelined him earlier this season. Although Matthews missed the gameday skate ahead of the evening matchup with the Buffalo Sabres, he is expected to play in the game.
Berube acknowledged the challenges Matthews is facing while playing through the injury but commended the star centre for his resilience. “It’s tough,” Berube said during a press conference. “He’s fighting through it, and he’s doing a pretty good job out there on the ice. He’s producing, playing hard, and working. We just have to manage it… it’ll get better, but for now, we’ve got to manage it, which is why he stayed off the ice today.”
Despite the injury, Matthews has been a productive force for the Maple Leafs this season. Through 23 games, the 27-year-old has scored 10 goals and tallied 22 points. After missing nine games in November to address the injury, including a trip to Germany to consult with a specialist, Matthews has returned to form. In the 10 games since rejoining the lineup, he has contributed five goals and 11 points, showcasing his elite offensive abilities.
Matthews, who led the NHL in goals last season with 69 and recorded 107 points across 81 games, remains a key component of Toronto’s attack. On Friday, he is slated to anchor the team’s top line alongside wingers William Nylander and Mitch Marner, a combination that has proven to be highly effective. The trio is expected to carry the offensive load as the Maple Leafs aim to maintain their strong position in the Atlantic Division standings.
The Maple Leafs enter Friday’s game against the Sabres riding a wave of momentum, having won three of their last four contests. With a 20-10-2 record through 32 games, they sit atop the Atlantic Division and are looking to build on their recent success. Following their matchup in Buffalo, the team faces a demanding schedule with back-to-back home games, hosting the New York Islanders on Saturday and the league-leading Winnipeg Jets on Monday afternoon.
Matthews’ ability to perform at a high level despite his injury has been a testament to his determination and importance to the team. His presence on the ice not only bolsters Toronto’s offense but also provides a morale boost to his teammates as they navigate a competitive stretch of games. However, managing Matthews’ workload and ensuring his long-term health remains a priority for the team, as Berube emphasized.
The Maple Leafs’ depth has been tested this season due to injuries, but the contributions of players like Matthews, Nylander, and Marner have kept the team in contention. Nylander, in particular, has been a standout performer, complementing Matthews on the top line with his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Marner’s versatility and hockey IQ have also been instrumental in creating opportunities for the dynamic trio.
Toronto’s upcoming games against the Islanders and Jets will provide a litmus test for the team’s current form and depth. The Islanders, known for their defensive structure, will challenge Toronto’s high-powered offense, while the Jets’ league-leading record underscores the difficulty of the matchup on Monday. The Leafs will need Matthews at his best, even as they carefully manage his injury, to maintain their position as one of the league’s top teams.
As the season progresses, Matthews’ health will be a storyline to monitor, especially as the Maple Leafs aim to secure a strong playoff position. His performance since returning from injury has shown that he remains one of the NHL’s premier players, but ensuring he stays healthy will be critical for the team’s long-term success. For now, Matthews continues to fight through the challenges, demonstrating why he is the cornerstone of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
