Auston Matthews returns to practice after injury: breakthrough or too late?

In recent weeks, Auston Matthews has been grappling with an undisclosed upper-body injury that has plagued him since training camp. This injury, which he aggravated on December 20 during a game in Buffalo, has led to Matthews missing five consecutive games for the Toronto Maple Leafs as of early January 2025. Originally expected to bounce back quickly, his condition has not shown significant improvement, raising concerns about his overall health and ability to return to form quickly. The Maple Leafs have indeed struggled in Matthews' absence, losing three out of the four games he missed while trying to fill the gap in their lineup. During his first media interactions since the injury, Matthews expressed cautious optimism about his recovery but admitted to uncertainty, saying, “I don’t know. I hope so.” He also mentioned the challenges of managing an injury in a physical sport like hockey, where being sidelined for long periods can be particularly frustrating for players. Matthews pointed out that staying inactive is difficult for him, voicing his determination to stay engaged with practice while ensuring he does not overexert himself. Despite his efforts, he has been ruled out for games and has emphasized the need for at least one more full practice before he can consider returning to competitive play. Coach Craig Berube has echoed these sentiments, acknowledging the importance of a full practice before Matthews can play in games again. The coaching staff has also indicated that a return this weekend might be possible but would depend on Matthews' performance in practice leading up to the games. However, the team's next practice will not take place until later in the week, limiting the chances of Matthews returning before January 9 at the earliest. This uncertainty has added an additional layer of concern for the Maple Leafs organization, not only regarding Matthews’ health but the implications his absence has on the team's playoff aspirations. The Maple Leafs are clearly feeling the impact of Matthews’ absence; his scoring prowess and playmaking abilities are vital to the team’s success, as evidenced by his stats this season, which show a significant dip compared to his prolific performance last season when he scored 69 goals. The pressure continues to mount as the team struggles to replace his contributions and seeks to find more consistency in their play. As Matthews continues to work towards a return, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for any updates regarding his injury and the overall effect on the team's performance.