Maple Leafs' Matthews says Wednesday return possible after visiting doctor in Germany
Auston Matthews is back in Toronto and says a return to action Wednesday is possible after the injured Maple Leafs captain visited a doctor in Germany.
Matthews has missed seven games with an undisclosed upper-body ailment but skated Saturday morning at Ford Performance Centre ahead of the Maple Leafs’ practice.
“Was a good day just to get back on the ice,” Matthews told reporters. “We’ll take it day-to-day, continue to try to progress on the ice and see how this week looks and feels.
“Obviously I’d love to get out there. I mean (Monday), not realistic, but Wednesday possibly.”
The reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner as the NHL’s top goal scorer said the injury flared up during the pre-season and worsened during the regular season.
Matthews, 27, had five goals and six assists in 13 games before exiting the lineup.
“Thought it was time to take a step back and re-evaluate it and just take it day-by-day,” he said. “It hasn’t necessarily gotten worse but it wasn’t really getting better so I wanted to be proactive. Collaborating with the (Maple Leafs), they were super supportive.”
Matthews mentioned he spent about five days overseas to receive a second opinion from a doctor he trusted and had previously consulted. He said Saturday he felt a lot better.
“I think a lot of guys, you see it in the NHL but also in other leagues, maybe seek second opinions or go seek advice from other areas outside the team," Matthews said.
“I don’t think it’s something that’s super abnormal for athletes to take charge of their medical, take charge of their body.”
Toronto hosts the Utah Hockey Club on Sunday before travelling to Florida on Wednesday for a game against the Panthers.
The Maple Leafs (12-6-2) have gone 6-1-0 without their superstar in the lineup.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 23, 2024.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Walking pneumonia is surging in Canada. Is this unusual?
CTVNews.ca spoke with various medical experts to find out the latest situation with the typically mild walking pneumonia in their area and whether parents should be worried.
Joly, Blair condemn anti-NATO protest in Montreal that saw fires, smashed windows
Federal cabinet ministers condemned an anti-NATO protest in Montreal that turned violent on Friday, saying 'hatred and antisemitism' were on display, but protesters deny the claim, saying they demonstrated against the 'complicity' of NATO member countries in a war that has killed thousands of Palestinians.
Retiring? Here's how to switch from saving for your golden years to spending
The last paycheque from a decades-long career arrives next Friday and the nest egg you built during those working years will now turn into a main source of income. It can be a jarring switch from saving for retirement to spending in retirement.
'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs
A Toronto family is speaking out after their 10-year-old daughter's Crocs got stuck in an escalator, ripping the entire toe area of the clog off.
Ottawa driver fined for hauling thousands of empty cans in trunk of car
Ontario Provincial Police stopped an Ottawa man for dangerously hauling thousands of empty cans from the back of his car.
Canada's top general takes on U.S. senator in defending womens' role in combat units
Canada's top general firmly rejected the notion of dropping women from combat roles -- a position promoted by president-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defence secretary -- at a security forum underway in Halifax on Saturday.
Canadians are craving to take a 'adult gap year.' Here's why
Canadian employees are developing an appetite for an 'adult gap year': a meaningful break later in life to refocus, refresh and indulge in something outside their daily routine, according to experts.
Transit supervisor assaulted with 'torch' made of hairspray can and lighter: police
A Winnipeg man has been charged after a transit supervisor was assaulted with a makeshift torch in the city’s downtown area Friday morning.
Prime Minister Trudeau attends Taylor Swift's Eras Tour in Toronto with family
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is a Swiftie. His office confirmed to CTV News Toronto that he and members of his family are attending the penultimate show of Taylor Swift's 'The Eras Tour' in Toronto on Friday evening.