Auston Matthews Returns to Practice, Because Someone Has to Keep the Toronto Maple Leafs in Line
Ah, Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ star center and team captain, has finally returned to practice after missing eight games due to an upper-body injury. I mean, it’s not like they were doing fine without him or anything (7-1-0, but who’s counting?).
On Tuesday, Matthews participated in his first full practice with the team and seemed to come out unscathed, which is always a plus. When asked about his progress, he said, "I felt pretty good, so we will just take it step by step." Because, you know, ice hockey is all about taking it slow and steady, right?
But let’s get real, folks. Matthews was probably itching to get back on the ice, especially with his team doing so well without him. I mean, can you blame him? The pressure to perform must have been killing him. After all, as he said himself, "It [stinks] watching. I want to be out there as soon as possible."
Matthews centered a line with Pontus Holmberg and William Nylander during practice, and it seems like they’re all getting along swimmingly. He even joked about needing to learn some Swedish to communicate better with his new linemates. Ah, the classic "lost in translation" joke. We’ve all been there, Auston.
Coach Craig Berube was pleased with Matthews’ performance, saying, "He looked really good and got through practice no problem. A lot of good signs pointing in the right direction." Which, roughly translated, means "Auston, stop messing around and get back to scoring goals, please."
Now, we know what you’re thinking. Will Matthews return to the lineup against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday? Well, the jury’s still out on that one. As Matthews himself said, "I might need maybe one or two [practices] to really get my legs and lungs back under me." Yeah, because ice hockey is just like riding a bike, right? You can just pick it up wherever you left off?
Berube seems to be taking a more cautious approach, saying, "When a player comes to me and says he’s ready to go, then he’s ready to go." Translation: "Auston, don’t rush back, mate. We don’t want you to end up like me – a grumpy old coach with a permanent scowl on his face."
All joking aside, it’s great to see Matthews back on the ice, and we can’t wait to see him in action again. After all, as he said himself, "It’s a little bit of everything – conditioning, timing, obviously getting back in that competitive atmosphere where everything is super reactive." Yeah, yeah, we get it, Auston. You’re like a hockey machine or something.
In any case, we’ll be keeping a close eye on Matthews’ progress and will be sure to let you know the minute he’s back to his old self – scoring goals and breaking hearts (just kidding, Auston, we love you).
TORONTO — Auston Matthews, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain, took a significant step towards returning from an upper-body injury by participating in his first full practice with the team on Tuesday. Matthews’ possible return to the lineup could happen as early as Wednesday when the Maple Leafs visit the Florida Panthers (7:30 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, SNW, SNO, SN1).
Matthews has been sidelined for eight games since his last appearance on November 3, but has been skating on his own since returning to North America on Friday following a five-day trip to Germany. During his time in Germany, Matthews consulted with a doctor who has also worked with other Maple Leafs players in the past.
“I felt pretty good, so we will just take it step by step,” Matthews explained on Tuesday. “I don’t know, we’ll see. I’ll get with the training staff and chat some more. The individual skates are much different than a team practice, so this being the first actual team practice I skated in, I felt really good, but I might need maybe one or two [practices] to really get my legs and lungs back under me.”
Toronto coach Craig Berube emphasized that he is not putting any pressure on Matthews to return to the lineup, stating, “When a player comes to me and says he’s ready to go, then he’s ready to go.” Berube’s cautious approach is likely due to the fact that Matthews has been a crucial part of the team’s success this season, with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 13 games.
During Tuesday’s practice, Matthews centered a line with left wing Pontus Holmberg and right wing William Nylander. Matthews was impressed with the chemistry between the three players, saying, “I thought it was great. I thought we were moving the puck really well, keeping it simple for the most part. They’re both really good players, and I just might have to learn some Swedish to communicate better with them.”
Berube also noticed the positive impact of Matthews’ return to practice, stating, “Yeah, it was good having him out there. He looked really good and got through practice no problem. A lot of good signs pointing in the right direction.” The coach’s optimism is likely due to the fact that Matthews’ return could provide a significant boost to the team’s offense.
Following the game against the Panthers, Toronto will not play again until it visits the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday, which could afford Matthews the chance to get at least another full practice before returning to game action. Matthews acknowledged the importance of getting back into game shape, saying, “It’s a little bit of everything — conditioning, timing, obviously getting back in that competitive atmosphere where everything is super reactive — and I think that’s important to get as much repetition in those settings as possible to feel as game ready as you can.”
Berube hinted that an additional practice prior to a return could be in Matthews’ best interest, saying, “The tricky part is practice, right? The first day he looked fine and felt fine, but not having a lot of practice time, it’s a little concerning.” The coach’s concerns are likely due to the fact that Matthews has been out of the lineup for an extended period and will need time to readjust to the team’s system.
Despite Matthews’ absence, the Maple Leafs have continued to thrive, going 7-1-0 in the eight games without him. The team is currently three points ahead of Florida for first place in the Atlantic Division. Matthews acknowledged the team’s success, saying, “I don’t think it’s ever easy, but when you continue to bank wins and progress as a team, that’s the sign of a great team, and it definitely gives you a lot of encouragement to see that.”
Matthews also expressed his desire to return to the lineup as soon as possible, saying, “It [stinks] watching. I want to be out there as soon as possible, but to see guys step and other players step in and make an impact, that’s a great sign for us.” The Maple Leafs’ depth and resilience have been on full display during Matthews’ absence, and his return could provide a significant boost to the team’s chances of success.
