Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews returns to the ice
Get the latest from Terry Koshan straight to your inbox
Published Nov 09, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 2 minute read
There was an Auston Matthews sighting on Saturday morning at Scotiabank Arena.
THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.
Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account.Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on.Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists.Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists.Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsArticle content
And it was an encouraging one.
The Maple Leafs captain was back on the ice for the first time since last Sunday, when he played more than 22 minutes in an overtime loss in Minnesota, for Toronto’s optional morning skate.
If observers didn’t know any better, they might have thought Matthews was just getting in some reps before facing the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.
Matthews shot the puck with authority and had no signs of discomfort, but after being placed on injured reserve on Friday as he deals with an upper-body injury, he isn’t eligible to play until Tuesday night at home against the Ottawa Senators at the earliest.
“He’s going in the right direction,” Leafs coach Craig Berube said. “He’s on the ice, which is great news. He’s feeling better, so it’s good.”
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
Article content
Article content
Matthews, who also missed time in training camp with an upper-body issue, took part in drills with defencemen Philippe Myers and Matt Benning, as well as forward Connor Dewar. The latter’s conditioning stint — after he recovered from shoulder surgery — with the Toronto Marlies has come to an end.
The Leafs, naturally, were encouraged by Matthews’ on-ice participation.
“We know ‘Tony’ is a big part of our team, him not being here we just have to stick with each other,” defenceman Simon Benoit said. “We can’t let that affect our game. Some guys have to step up and I think we have been doing that so far.
“We just want him to get better. Hopefully it won’t be long and seeing him on the ice today was good.”
Matthews missed two games this week — a 3-1 win against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday, which followed a 4-0 victory versus the Boston Bruins on Tuesday — before he watched again as the Leafs and Montreal Canadiens clashed on Saturday night.
Article content
The Leafs were 37-19-2 in games Matthews has missed during his National Hockey League career before they met the Canadiens.
Winger Calle Jarnkrok, meanwhile, has been on the ice this week as he works his way back from a lower-body injury, but Berube said there is no timeline for his return. Jarnkrok and defenceman Dakota Mermis (jaw) remain on longterm injured reserve.
Defenceman Jani Hakanpaa (knee) continues his LTIR conditioning loan with the Marlies and was in the lineup in Charlotte on Saturday.
We apologize, but this video has failed to load.
X: @koshtorontosun
Recommended from Editorial
John Tavares scores twice as Maple Leafs out-yawn Red Wings in low-event game
TAKEAWAYS: John Tavares, Mitch Marner step it up again for stingy Maple Leafs
LEAFS NOTES: Craig Berube sticks with beefy fourth line as Leafs hold on to beat Wings
Article content
