Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said Friday that his captain has been off the ice for the past few days, putting him in line to miss Saturday’s game against Edmonton.
However, Berube clarified that there haven’t been any setbacks for the star forward as he makes his way back from injury, and instead, the Leafs are taking their time with his return.
“No setbacks. We got two games in a long stretch here of time, so we’re just letting him recover,” he said.
Taking his spot on the team sheet, centring the first line at Friday’s practice, was William Nylander.
Matthews missed practice earlier this week after skating with the team last weekend.
“We want to make sure we get ahead of it and hopefully get it behind us once and for all,” Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said on Monday of Matthews. “He’ll remain day-to-day.”
After missing last Thursday’s practice, Berube said that Matthews’ injury is a lingering issue that the captain has been fighting through for a bit. However, he made it clear that the issues aren’t related to past problems he’s had with his wrist over the past few seasons.
The reigning Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner has had a slow start to the season offensively after scoring 69 goals last year. He has five goals and six assists through 13 games this season.
The Maple Leafs (10-6-2) host the Edmonton Oilers (9-7-1) on Hockey Night in Canada on Saturday.
