Leafs F Auston Matthews dealing with upper-body injury
Sep 22, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) warms up before playing the Ottawa Senators at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will miss Thursday night's preseason game against the Montreal Canadiens with an upper-body injury.
The decision appears to be for precautionary reasons, with head coach Craig Berube telling reporters the injury is "not serious" and that his star center "should be fine."
Matthews, 27, left Tuesday's practice early and did not participate Wednesday. He was on the ice for an optional skate Thursday morning, according to TSN.
He led the NHL in goals scored for the third time in four seasons in 2023-24, tallying a career-high 69 to go along with 38 assists in 81 games.
Matthews has recorded 649 points (368 goals, 281 assists) in 562 games since Toronto made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft.
Including Thursday's game against the visiting Canadiens, the Maple Leafs have four preseason contests left before opening the regular season at Montreal on Oct. 9.
--Field Level Media
5 Fights the UFC Should Make After UFC Paris
Seahawks vs. Patriots Betting Pick for Super Bowl LX Rematch
Joe Lacob Has a Bold Plan for the Warriors' Next Era
- Reds vs. Dodgers Prediction: Why the Dodgers Run Line Is Tuesday’s Best Bet
- 3 NFL Futures Bets to Make Before the 2026 Season Begins
- Blue Jays vs. Athletics Prediction, Odds and Best Bets for Labor Day
- MLB Best Bets Today: Picks for Phillies vs. Braves, Yankees vs. Padres and Diamondbacks vs. Astros
- College Football Sunday Best Bets: Three More Picks for Week 1
- MLB Picks Today: Best Bets for Saturday's Baseball Slate
- UFC Paris Odds: The Biggest Line Moves Bettors Need to Know
