Is Auston Matthews playing against the Boston Bruins tonight? Latest on Leafs captain's availability after long injury absence

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will return to the lineup on Saturday against the Boston Bruins following his second injury stint of the season. Matthews has missed the last six consecutive games after re-aggravating a previous upper-body injury that held him out of action for nine games in November, totaling a combined 15 games out with injury.

In the 24 games Matthews has played, he has managed 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) despite playing through this nagging ailment. This is a solid production, though somewhat underwhelming for the 69-goal scorer (2023-24 season).

Auston Matthews spoke to the media after participating in a full-morning skate with the team on Saturday. He confirmed that he will be available to return to the Maple Leafs lineup tonight against the Boston Bruins.

Chris Johnston of TSN shared the news on X (formerly Twitter), along with what the Leafs captain had to say about how he is feeling.

"The last couple skates I've had felt good," Matthews said.

Maple Leafs reporter David Alter shared what Toronto's lines looked like during the morning skate on X (formerly Twitter).

"Looks like Matthews is skating on a line with Knies and Marner at the skate here," Alter said on X.

This is great news for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They now hope their superstar center has overcome his injury issues and will be healthy and available for the rest of the season.

Auston Matthews' return will be a welcomed addition to the Maple Leafs lineup

After going 7-2-0 during Auston Matthews's first injury absence, the Maple Leafs have not had the same success the second time around. Toronto has gone 3-3-0 in their last six games without their captain, having been outscored 20-15 during that time frame.

The Leafs' forward group becomes much deeper with an almost entirely healthy lineup. Matthews' return will see David Kampf return to his fourth-line center role, a position that best suits his skill set. Calle Jarnkrok is now the only injured forward on the team, as he remains on LTIR with a groin injury that's kept him out for the entirety of the season.

The Maple Leafs organization and their fans are undoubtedly thrilled to have the best goal scorer in the world back in the lineup.

Matthews's first back game comes on Hockey Night in Canada against their bitter rival, the Boston Bruins. The puck drops at 7 p.m. EST on Saturday at Scotiabank Arena.