Is Auston Matthews playing against Lightning on Saturday? NHL insider provides positive update on Leafs captain's return

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is expected to return to the ice on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, NHL insider Luke Fox reports.

Matthews has missed the last nine games with an undisclosed upper-body injury. The precise details of the injury are unknown, but it has been confirmed that Matthews sought treatment in Europe.

Sportsnet cited Fox and said this in their post:

"Auston Matthews plans to return to the Maple Leafs lineup on Saturday against the Lightning soon."

The Leafs have gone 7-2 in Auston Matthews’ absence, dropping a 5-1 decision on Wednesday night with a significantly depleted lineup. Still, Matthews’ return should be a major boost to the Leafs’ overall lineup.

In his absence, Mitch Marner has risen to the occasion, carrying the load for Toronto. Similarly, former captain John Tavares has assumed the top-line center role, filling in admirably.

In 13 games this season, Auston Matthews has racked up five goals and six assists for 11 points. His last multi-point game came on Oct. 31, against the Seattle Kraken in which he notched a goal and two assists.

Matthews’ return will be more than welcome as the Leafs currently have Max Pacioretty, Max Domi, David Kampf and Matthew Knies on the shelf.

Bobby McMann is doubtful for Saturday night’s tilt in Tampa, and could join the long list of Leafs forwards on the mend. Ryan Reaves is still under suspension for two games after Saturday night.

Everything moving in positive direction for Auston Matthews

Auston Matthews returned to practice this week after roughly two weeks away. Those two weeks included the time spent in Germany seeking treatment, according to The Atheltic.

Now, it seems Matthews is much more optimistic about his prospects of hitting the ice on Saturday night. The Athletic quoted Matthews as stating:

“From where I was at up to now, I feel night and day, a lot better.”

The encouraging comments point toward Matthews finding a solution to the issues plaguing him this season. He added:

“Everything’s moving in a positive direction.”

Despite his best efforts, Matthews couldn’t play through the injury anymore. As such, Matthews told reporters:

“I thought it was time to take a step back, re-evaluate (the injury), and take it day by day. And it hasn’t necessarily gotten worse, but it wasn’t really getting better. So I wanted to be proactive.”

His 11 points in 13 games this season, while certainly not bad, are not typical Auston Matthews-level production. As such, the injury confirmed speculation that Matthews had been dealing with it for sometime. Now, the hope is that Matthews has gotten over whatever has been ailing him.

At full strength, the former Hart Trophy and reigning Rocket Richard winner is one of the league’s best goal scorers. The Leafs hope that once Matthews hits the ice, he’ll be back to his usual form. The first-place Leafs need him at his best given the club’s depleted lineup.