"Just to fill out another roster spot" "Damaged good": Toronto fans left debating as Maple Leafs place Auston Matthews on IR

Auston Matthews is now on his second IR stint of the season. In November, the Toronto Maple Leafs put their captain on injured reserve and he was out for weeks. He's been day-to-day with another injury for a few games now, and the Maple Leafs officially put him on IR to open up a spot.

This got fans debating, though. The IR is never a good place for a hurt player to land because it usually implies a lengthier absence. As long as Matthews was day-to-day, he could have come back sooner.

The NHL star faces a potentially lengthier stint off the ice, which is what the Leafs just went through recently. They survived his absence once, but some fans aren't thrilled that they'll have to try it twice. Others believe the IR move is solely for opening a roster spot for the interim.

"Everyone chill out. It's just to fill out another roster spot," a fan said.

"This man is a giant p***y. Don’t expect anything different these playoffs," one complained.

"This is only to make a roster spot for Rifai, OEL is sick today so we need a body. 34 is eligible to come off IR whenever," another pointed out.

"Just put him on LTIR til playoffs and trade Cowan for a centre already," one added.

"This guy gets the C and then takes the year off," another said.

Matthews' IR trip is retroactive to Dec. 20, so he is eligible to return whenever the Leafs deem him healthy enough.

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Despite IR placement, Auston Matthews is trending in the right direction

Though Auston Matthews is now on injured reserve, he is getting better and closer to a return. One NHL analyst said he could be back as soon as Thursday. That may not happen, but it could still be soon.

Auston Matthews is on IR now (Imagn)

Head coach Craig Berube said via The Hockey News:

"He skated yesterday and had a good skate. I was glad he was out there. It was good to see him out there with us in practice, and really, we go from there and see how he is progressing tomorrow and see if he's out there in practice again tomorrow with us."

Matthews is in his first year as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs.