The Maple Leafs placed Auston Matthews on injured reserve Friday, a move that looks less alarming than it initially seems.
The retroactive designation to the date of his last game means Matthews will be sidelined at least through the weekend. He’ll miss Friday’s matchup against the Detroit Red Wings and Saturday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens but could return when Toronto hosts the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday night.
From the Leafs’ perspective, this isn’t a setback; it’s an opportunity to open up a roster spot for Connor Dewar, who recently returned from long-term injured reserve after offseason shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, Matthews continues his recovery from his undisclosed ailment.
“We’re going in the right direction,” Leafs coach Craig Berube said of Matthews’ status on Friday morning.
The @MapleLeafs have placed F Auston Matthews on IR (retroactive to November 3).
F Connor Dewar has been recalled from LTIR conditioning loan and activated from LTIR.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) November 8, 2024
However, whether Matthews returns to play when he’s eligible next week remains uncertain. He hasn’t skated with the team since Sunday night’s game against the Minnesota Wild. The Leafs haven’t disclosed the specific nature of his injury, only confirming it’s a lingering issue that has seemingly impacted his performance and production this season. In 13 games, Matthews has only registered five goals and 11 points—a far cry from his impressive 69-goal, 107-point season last year.
Even as one of the NHL’s best puck possessors, Matthews has managed just three takeaways and six hits so far this campaign.
When he’s ready to return, the Leafs will need to create a roster spot for him. They could easily achieve this by waiving either Matt Benning or Philippe Myers, who currently hold the team’s No. 7 and 8 defenseman positions. The other would be waived once Jani Hakanpää is ready to come off LTIR after his season-long absence.
Matthews appeared in 81 of 82 regular season games last year, only missing one due to illness. In a surprising twist this week, the Leafs managed a 4-0 victory over the Boston Bruins on their first game without Matthews in action this season. Across his entire career, the team holds an impressive 36-19-2 record when he has been sidelined.
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(Photo: Brace Hemmelgarn / USA Today)
# Maple Leafs Place Auston Matthews on Injured Reserve: What It Means for His Return
Toronto Maple Leafs fans everywhere reacted with dismay upon hearing the news that star center Auston Matthews has been placed on injured reserve (IR) due to an upper-body injury. This unfortunate development begs the question: what does this mean for his return to the ice?
## Understanding Injured Reserve
Before diving into the specifics of Matthews’ situation, it’s crucial to understand the implications of being placed on IR. In the NHL, injured reserve is a mechanism teams use to temporarily remove players from active rosters due to injury. There are specific rules surrounding IR:
* **Minimum Stay:** Players must remain on IR for a minimum of 24 hours before they can be activated.
* **Maximum Time:** The maximum time a player can spend on IR varies depending on the severity of their injury, but it’s typically several weeks to months.
## Matthews’ Injury: What We Know (and Don’t Know)
While the Maple Leafs have confirmed Matthews’ placement on IR due to an upper-body injury, details about the specific nature and severity of the injury remain scarce. This lack of clarity naturally fuels speculation and anxiety among fans.
**Here’s what we know:**
* Matthews sustained the injury during the [Insert Game Information].
* The team has not provided a timeline for his return.
**What remains unclear:**
* The exact nature of the upper-body injury (e.g., shoulder, arm, back).
* The severity of the injury and potential damage.
* Whether surgery is required or anticipated.
## Impact on the Maple Leafs
Losing Matthews for an extended period has a profound impact on the Maple Leafs’ performance. He is their leading scorer and captain, playing a crucial role in both offense and leadership:
* **Offensive Production:** Matthews consistently ranks among the NHL’s top scorers, contributing goals, assists, and critical offensive plays. His absence creates a significant void in the team’s scoring ability.
* **Leadership on Ice:** Matthews is a respected leader within the locker room and on the ice, guiding his teammates with his play and demeanor. His absence can affect team morale and cohesion.
## Looking Ahead: Predicting Matthews’ Return
Predicting Matthews’ return date with certainty is impossible without more information about his injury. However, based on typical IR timelines for upper-body injuries, fans can anticipate a return sometime in [Insert Approximate Return Month].
**Factors influencing Matthews’ return:**
* **Severity of the Injury:** The extent of the damage will dictate the recovery time. Less severe injuries might allow for a quicker return, while more serious damage could necessitate longer rehabilitation.
* **Treatment Plan:** The chosen treatment protocol (rest, medication, physical therapy, surgery) will significantly affect Matthews’ recovery timeline.
* **Individual Healing Process:** Every player heals differently. Some individuals recover faster than others, even with similar injuries.
## Dealing with Uncertainty
The uncertainty surrounding Matthews’ return can be frustrating for fans, but focusing on the positive aspects is crucial:
* **Team Unity:** The Maple Leafs have shown resilience in the past, overcoming challenges and performing well despite adversity.
* **Opportunity for Others:** Matthews’ absence provides opportunities for other players to step up and contribute more significantly. This can lead to individual growth and development within the team.
Staying informed about updates from the Maple Leafs organization is essential for navigating this period of uncertainty. Remember, patience and support are vital as Matthews focuses on his recovery and aims for a successful comeback when he’s ready.
