Matthews was suspended for two games for cross-checking Rasmus Dahlin but is eligible to draw back into the lineup in Nashville. Matthews, who leads the NHL with 45 goals, will be back in his familiar spot on a line with Michael Bunting and Mitch Marner.
Matthews cross-checked Dahlin in the head following a battle in front of the Sabres' net and he will miss Tuesday's game vs. Dallas and Thursday's game vs. Chicago. John Tavares and Alexander Kerfoot will likely take on larger roles with Matthews suspended.
Matthews was forced to leave Monday's game after taking an accidental knee to the head from Brett Pesce but was on the ice for Wednesday's practice and says he'll play Thursday.
Matthews tested positive for COVID-19 early in the week but returned negative tests since and has been cleared to play Wednesday vs. the Oilers. Matthews had a bit of a sluggish start to the season but has scored 19 goals with 12 assists (31 points) in his last 22 games.
Matthews missed the first three games of the season but was on the ice for Sunday's practice and is planning on playing tomorrow. Matthews has averaged 59 goals per 82 games over the last two seasons and could have a legitimate chance at 60 goals in 2021-22.
Matthews was on the ice briefly for Thursday's morning skate but left the ice and will not be available for Thursday's game vs. Winnipeg. With Matthews out, John Tavares will move up to the top line with Mitch Marner and Alex Galchenyuk.
Matthews has missed the last two games with a wrist issue but will play Wednesday in Edmonton. Mathews, who has 18 goals and 13 assists (31 points) in 20 games this season, will skate with Joe Thornton and Mitch Marner.
Matthews has been dealing with a hand injury and missed Friday’s practice, making him questionable for Saturday’s game. Friday was believed to be more maintenance-related, so expect him to play in the battle of MVP candidates.
Head coach Sheldon Keefe is "not too concerned" with Matthews' upper-body injury. He told reporters Matthews was a possibility to play tonight but just wasn't feeling completely right, so they'll be cautious early in the season. With Matthews and Joe Thornton both out, the Maple Leafs will be without ⅔ of their top-line vs. the Oilers. Adam Brooks is expected to draw in to replace Matthews in some capacity.
Matthews attended the All-Star weekend but did not play, but anticipates playing Monday vs. the Predators. Following Sunday's practice, Matthews said his wrist "isn't 100 percent" but will play anyways. Matthews enters play with 15 goals and eight assists (23 points) in his last 15 games.
Matthews was set to become a restricted free-agent this summer but signed through 2023-24 with an $11.634M cap-hit. Matthews has had a strong season, scoring 23 goals on 121 shots (19.0 SH%) with 23 assists (46 points) in 38 games. Matthews has broken through as one of the best goal-scorers in the league but continues to have a difficult time staying healthy—missing 20 games last season and 14 so far this year.
Matthews has missed the last 14 games with a shoulder injury but will be back tonight vs. the Sharks. With Matthews back, Frederik Gauthier will be a healthy scratch. In his first seven games, Matthews had 16 points (10G / 6A) but was held pointless in the next four games. Matthews will likely be back between Patrick Marleau and Kasperi Kapanen.
The Maple Leafs don’t want to rush their star centre back, so they will wait for him to get through a full-contact practice before he returns to the lineup. Matthews will miss at least three games, so his next opportunity to return to practice is next Tuesday.
