Darren Dreger shoots down speculations around Auston Matthews' 'new injury'

Auston Matthews missed his fourth straight game due to an upper-body injury when the Toronto Maple Leafs faced the Washington Capitals on Saturday. Matthews skated on his own on Saturday morning, but there is no timeline for his return.

Matthews has dealt with injury troubles since his debut with the Maple Leafs in the 2016-17 season. This latest injury has sidelined him for the second time this season. Matthews first experienced the injury during training camp. It could even date back to last year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs, raising concerns about its long-term effect.

After reaggravating the injury against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 20, Matthews missed the last two games before the holiday break.

NHL analyst Darren Dreger addressed rumors about a new injury for Matthews. He clarified that Matthews' current injury is the same issue he has been dealing with since training camp. Dreger explained that it isn't new and is not related to the hits he took in the Sabres game. Matthews' injury has been bothering him on and off for months.

"Now, the concern right now, and it's a fading concern, because, again, there's a lot of speculation around as to, could this be a new injury," Dreger said on Sunday. "You know, after a Buffalo game where he got cross-checked and get hit? No, it's the same old thing that has been nagging him on and off since training camp in September."

Dreger also responded to concerns about Matthews' readiness for international events, like the Four Nations. He emphasized that Matthews’ focus, along with his agent and general manager, is helping the Leafs secure a playoff spot and ultimately win a Stanley Cup.

Craig Berube provides update on Auston Matthews' injury status

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said Auston Matthews is improving but did not provide more details.

"He's doing better, but I would say no to tomorrow too," Berube said on Friday, via NHL.com. "Again, he's doing better, which is good, but I can't give you much more than that, to be honest."

Matthews has played an important role in his team’s success when healthy. In 24 games this season, he scored 11 goals and registered 12 assists for 23 points.