Bad news for Toronto Maple Leafs — Matthews is hurt again
The Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be without Auston Matthews tonight versus the New York Islanders.
Matthews missed nine games in November with an upper-body injury, which sent him to Germany for treatment. According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, he’s believed to be dealing with the same issue and won’t be in the lineup tonight.
Hearing that Auston Matthews won't be available to the #leafs tonight after reaggravating the injury that kept him out of games in November. He's considered questionable for Monday's game.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) December 21, 2024
Johnston also reported that his status for Monday’s game, the Leafs final before a three-day Christmas break, is doubtful.
It’s been a relatively slow start to the season for Matthews due mainly to his injury. The 27-year-old, who registered a career-high 69 goals and 107 points last season, has 11 goals and 23 points through 24 outings. The three-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner is 12 goals shy of Leon Draisaitl’s league-leading 23.
Despite Matthews’ underwhelming start, the Leafs are putting together a strong season under new head coach Craig Berube. They currently sit atop the Atlantic Division with a 21-10-2 record and are riding a three-game winning streak.
Mitch Marner has been a big reason for their success. With 44 points, he is tied for seventh in league scoring. He’s currently on pace for 109 points, which would mark the first time he’s surpassed the 100-point mark in his career.
William Nylander has been terrific in his own right, sitting with 21 goals on the season. He’s on pace to shatter his career-high 40 goals, which he’s hit in each of the past two seasons.
The Leafs are a banged-up bunch right now, as they are also without goaltender Anthony Stolarz and defenceman Jani Hakanpaa. Meanwhile, Calle Jarnkrok has yet to play this season and is expected to remain out for some time after undergoing groin and sports hernia surgery in mid-November.