Maple Leafs Auston Matthews’ status is undetermined for Game 7

News out of Toronto after morning skate indicates that Toronto Maple Leafs’ superstar Auston Matthews’ status is undetermined for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins according to head coach Sheldon Keefe.

Matthews has notched one goal and two assists in four games this series.

Matthews has reportedly been battling an illness for the past week which was why he was pulled from Game 4 of the Atlantic Division Semifinal last Saturday. He was then ruled out for Game 5 this past Tuesday and for Game 6 on Thursday, in which the Maple Leafs managed to stave off elimination in both games to force a Game 7.

“For whatever reason, it’s not one of those run-of-the-mill everyday types of illnesses that sort of come and go,” Keefe said after Game 4. “This one has lingered. The effects have lingered and gotten worse when he gets on the ice and asserts himself.

It’s believed that the illness is no longer the problem and that Matthews is now battling an undisclosed injury. Matthews has been taking morning skates and there were signs of a potential return to the lineup, but whatever is aligning the 26-year-old will keep him out of a crucial game once again.

Matthews posted a career-high 69 goals and 38 assists for 107 points, eclipsing his 60-goal, 106-point performance during the 2021-22 season, and the most points by a Maple Leafs player since 1993-94.

In 562 career NHL games, Matthews has scored 368 goals and 281 assists, registering 47 points in 54 appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Matthews was named a finalist this morning for the Lady Byng Trophy for a third time in his career. The trophy is awarded “to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability,”