The 2024-25 NHL season has been a frustrating one for Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, as the 27-year-old sniper has struggled with injuries. Matthews has missed 13 of the team’s 37 games due to an upper-body injury, with a particularly rough stretch in November when he sat out nine consecutive games. On December 20, he aggravated the injury during a game against the Buffalo Sabres and has been sidelined ever since. While the Maple Leafs have managed to stay competitive without him, their recent 1-3-0 stretch has made it clear they need their captain back in the lineup.
Although Matthews isn’t fully recovered, there’s hope for his return. According to The Hockey News’ Nick Barden, Matthews participated in practice on Monday for the first time in 10 days, skating for about 30 minutes before leaving the ice, suggesting his recovery is progressing well. During the session, Matthews skated alongside John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and Max Pacioretty on the first line, marking an encouraging step after his lengthy absence from practice.
This update aligns with comments from head coach Craig Berube, who last week stated Matthews was feeling “better” after he was ruled out for the weekend games against the Detroit Red Wings and Washington Capitals. The Maple Leafs are optimistic that Matthews can remain healthy for the rest of the season. Matthews, who took over the captaincy from Tavares in the offseason after signing a four-year, $53 million extension, has been limited offensively due to his injuries. He has only 11 goals and 23 points in 24 games, a significant drop from his usual production. His current pace of 0.96 points per game is a sharp decline from his 1.32 PPG last season, marking his lowest point total since his rookie year.
Entering Monday with a 22-13-2 record and 46 points, the Maple Leafs are tied with the Florida Panthers for first place in the Atlantic Division. With the division as tight as it is, Matthews’ eventual return could be just the boost Toronto needs to separate itself from the pack. Matthews, a three-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner, has been one of the most prolific goal-scorers in the league since 2016-17, totaling 379 goals and 672 points over that stretch. It remains uncertain whether Matthews will be ready to return for the Maple Leafs’ next game against the New York Islanders on Tuesday, but with or without him, the team will be looking to avenge their 6-3 loss to the Islanders on December 21.