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
Britney’s HCL Saga Shows How Murky High Stakes Poker Is
5 Fights the UFC Should Make After Rosas Jr. vs. Barcelos
WWE Money in the Bank Cash-Ins: The Best and Worst Moments
MLB Playoff Futures: Three Best Bets for the 2026 Postseason
- Eagles vs. Bears MNF Week 3 Betting Total Picks and Predictions
- Rams vs. Broncos Sunday Night Football Best Betting Pick
- MLB Best Bets: Three Picks for the Final Day of the Regular Season
- UFC Vegas 121 Underdogs: Why Alatengheili Is Worth a Look at +300
- UFC Vegas 121 Predictions: Best Bets for Saturday’s Fight Card
- UFC Vegas 121 Line Movement: Two Betting Favorites Have Completely Flipped
- Indiana vs. Northwestern Prediction: Best Bets To Start Week 4
