"Still concerning" "Guy is damaged goods": NHL fans react as Auston Matthews returns briefly for Leafs' morning practice amid 'mystery' injury

Auston Matthews returned briefly to the ice during the Toronto Maple Leafs’s morning practice on Saturday. He wore a grey extras jersey but will not play against the Washington Capitals. NHL insider Nick Barden reported his presence on X (formerly Twitter).

"Auston Matthews is on the ice this morning wearing a grey extras jersey ahead of the Maple Leafs’ game against the Capitals."

Following this, Insider Elliotte Friedman shared that Matthews skated for about 30 minutes.

"Matthews not playing tonight, but has skated for approximately 30 minutes"

This was Auston Matthews’s first time skating since aggravating a previous upper-body issue on Dec. 20 against the Buffalo Sabres. Reports suggest he could return for the Tuesday game against the New York Islanders.

Matthews has been limited by injuries this season, and fans have mixed feelings about his condition.

“Good sign but still concerning all these ‘mystery’ injuries he keeps picking up or aggravating,” one fan said.

“Guy is damaged goods. Shoulders are the worst injury to have,” another fan commented.

"Seems to be a recurring theme. AM34 suffers mystery injury and misses weeks' worth of games. Meanwhile, everyone knew exactly what was wrong with Draisaitl over the spring, and he played through it," a third fan mentioned.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"This is why a little more transparency from the TML would serve them better. Just be honest," a fan wrote.

"If he’s hurt why does he continue to skate and practice and aggravate it. Just rehab it and rest and get over it," another fan wrote.

"Oh man Elliotte, anything less than 30 minutes, then I'd have expected him to be out until 2027! 😜," a fan joked.

The Maple Leafs appear cautious about Matthews’s recovery. Ensuring his health for the rest of the season is a priority.

Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube talked about Auston Matthews' injury

Auston Matthews will miss the Toronto Maple Leafs’s weekend games due to an aggravated upper-body injury. Coach Craig Berube said Matthews is “doing better” but isn’t ready to play. The injury was worsened by a cross-check from Buffalo’s Dennis Gilbert. Matthews had already missed nine games earlier this season and went to Germany for treatment.

The Toronto captain - who scored 69 goals last season - has 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 24 games this year. He also missed both losses in Toronto’s previous two games before the holiday break. After this weekend, the Maple Leafs have a busy schedule against the New York Islanders on Tuesday and Thursday.