“We dont need him” “Who gives a dog's balls”: NHL fans react to Auston Matthews' positive injury update

Toronto Maple Leafs fans got some good news about Auston Matthews’ injury. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman posted on X that Matthews skated for the first time since his upper-body injury.

He took part in an optional practice with the team. Matthews won’t play against Montreal on Saturday, but is expected to return next week, possibly for the game against Ottawa on Tuesday.

"Auston Matthews skating for the first time since his injury at TOR optional. Out tonight, eligible to return next week," Friedman's tweet reads.

However, despite the Saturday skate, Matthews is still on injured reserve, but he is getting closer to a return. Matthews has scored five goals and 11 points in 13 games this season.

NHL fans quickly reacted to the update on X.

One fan said, “We don’t need him against this bottom feeder team tonight,” referring to Montreal’s current standing.

Another fan wrote, “Who gives a dog's balls,” showing little interest in the news.

"They aren't better without him, but they play better without him," a fan wrote.

"A true captain wouldn’t fake an injury like that. They did Johnny T dirty," another fan wrote.

Here are some more reactions from fans on X:

"Never breaking the goal record, already missed too much time," a fan said.

"No point in the Toronto optional," another shared his opinion.

"but is there a point to warmups?" a fan questioned.

The Matthews' injury update is a positive sign for the Maple Leafs as they look forward to getting him back on the ice.

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Maple Leafs will play without their captain Auston Matthews against the Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs (8-5-2) will play against the Montreal Canadiens (4-8-2) tonight at 7:00 PM EST at Scotiabank Arena. The Leafs are in a good position, but they will be without Auston Matthews due to an upper-body injury.

The Leafs have been performing better than Montreal this season. Toronto is averaging 3.07 goals per game and allowing 2.67 goals per game. Montreal, on the other hand, has only scored 2.71 goals per game and allowed 4.07 goals per game, the worst in the league.

Mitch Marner, with 18 points (3 goals, 15 assists) and William Nylander (10 goals, 6 assists) will lead the Leafs’ offense in Matthews' absence. In goal, the Leafs are likely to start Joseph Woll, who has a 2.70 GAA and a .892 SV%. Sam Montembeault is expected to start for Montreal.