Maple Leafs Coach Announces Return Date for Star $53 Million Forward

Auston Matthews Remains Out as Maple Leafs Take Cautious Approach to Recovery

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube recently shared a discouraging update on the health status of star forward Auston Matthews. Matthews,

who was placed on the injured reserve list earlier this month, had been expected to return to action by November 12.

However, Berube confirmed that Matthews will remain sidelined for the time being as his recovery hasn’t progressed as hoped.

According to the coach, Matthews has not participated in practice for the past two days, and his condition is still not where it needs to be for a full return.

“We’re just trying to manage it and make sure when he comes back, he’s 100 percent,” Berube explained. “It’s just not progressing as it should, so we’re being extra careful with him.

” While Matthews has not experienced a specific setback, the team is taking every precaution to ensure the injury does not linger throughout the season.

This cautious approach reflects the team’s commitment to ensuring Matthews’ full recovery before he hits the ice again.

During a separate media appearance on November 11, general manager Brad Treliving also echoed the same message, stating that Matthews remains day-to-day.

“There’s been no change,” Treliving said, underscoring the team’s efforts to manage the situation proactively.

The goal, he added, is to resolve the issue once and for all, preventing any further complications down the line.

Although the precise nature of Matthews’ injury has not been publicly disclosed, Berube emphasized that the team is focused on addressing the issue thoroughly.

“We’re all working to figure it out and make sure it doesn’t crop up again during the season,” he said. Given the early stage of the 2024-25 NHL campaign, Toronto is exercising caution, ensuring Matthews is fully healed before returning to the lineup. The last time Matthews played was on November 3, and with the Maple Leafs being careful, the forward’s return date remains uncertain.

As one of the NHL’s top players and the newly appointed captain of the Maple Leafs, Matthews’ absence has left a significant gap in the lineup. He has been a key contributor to the team, tallying 5 goals and 6 assists in 13 games so far this season. Matthews, who was named captain in August, has expressed deep pride in his role. “It’s such a big honor just to represent the Maple Leafs and wear that jersey every night,” he said after receiving the captaincy. His leadership is vital to the team, and the Maple Leafs will continue to take every step necessary to ensure he can return to full health, contributing to the team’s success in the long run.