Auston Matthews' Gradual Comeback: What To Expect from the Leafs' Star After Injury

TORONTO — After nearly a month on the sidelines, Auston Matthews is making his way back onto the ice. The Maple Leafs’ captain was sidelined due to a significant upper-body injury that required him to travel to Europe for specialized medical treatment. Now, two games into his return, Matthews is eager to regain his form.

In Monday night's game, fans got a taste of what Matthews can deliver when he’s at his best. The 27-year-old sniper netted his sixth goal of the season during the Leafs' commanding 4-1 win against the struggling Chicago Blackhawks. It was his first goal since returning from the injury, showcasing his impressive skills and making a notable impact on the game.

Despite showing flashes of brilliance with three shots on goal and three hits in just under 20 minutes of ice time, Matthews recognizes he still has work to do. “Just try to get better, feel better each game. Just continue to get my legs back, the lungs back, and just get back in game shape,” he noted post-game.

Last season, Matthews blew away expectations by leading the NHL with an astonishing 69 goals—the highest tally from a single player in over 30 years. However, his early performance this season raised eyebrows, as he appeared to be struggling with form following his injury.

General Manager Brad Treliving reported that Matthews was rehabilitating in Germany after being listed as day-to-day since his last game on November 3. “He's going to be an elite, elite player—one of the best in the world,” said his teammate John Tavares. “Such a special talent. Great hands there on the goal. A big one to get us going. He'll only get better.”

Head coach Craig Berube pointed out that Matthews isn’t quite back up to his elite level yet, admitting, “It’s going to take a little time. Practice time… which is going to be difficult with the schedule, but he’s working at it. He’ll get there. I’ve got no worries.”

Teammate and goaltender Anthony Stolarz observed Matthews' impact on the ice. “He’s so smart, he’s so strong on his stick,” Stolarz said. “You can always rely on him to be in the right position in the defensive zone, and he's always a threat in the offensive zone.”

Rookie Fraser Minten, also recently back from injury, echoed the sentiments about Matthews. “He’s unbelievably talented, but it comes from consistent work,” he remarked. “He’s a great guy to look up to, a great leader for this team. His success speaks for itself.”

As Matthews continues to find his rhythm, his teammate’s strong performance should not go unnoticed either. Minten is making strides, accumulating two goals and two assists in five games. Matthews praised him for his cerebral play, highlighting that adaptability is key for success.

On the goaltending front, Stolarz’s recent form has been impressive, improving to 8-4-2 this season, boasting a .924 save percentage and a 2.23 goals-against average. His partner, Joseph Woll, complements this with a 6-2-0 record and equally strong statistics, contributing to the overall success of the team.

However, a hiccup in the lineup management raised eyebrows in the latest match. The coaching staff intended to place Minten at centre alongside Steven Lorentz and Nick Robertson but needed to adjust due to Matthews' return. The confusion led to a brief talk with the referees, resulting in Matthews getting the nod to take the ice. Coach Berube lightheartedly criticized the technology behind lineup management, saying, “These computers screw everything up. I used to write (the lineup) out on paper. I’d rather do that.

As the Maple Leafs gear up for a busy week of games, the return of Auston Matthews heralds exciting prospects for fans. While it may take some time for him to fully reclaim his peak performance, the journey has just begun for the star forward and the Toronto team. Keep an eye on Matthews—his comeback could be the spark the Leafs need to dominate this season!