VIDEO: Auston Mаttһews Returns To Tһe Iсe For Fіrst Skаte Wіtһ Mарle Leаfs After Uррer-Body Injury – Wһen Wіll He Be Bасk?

"Like I said the other day, he's going in the right direction," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube commented on Matthews. "It's great news. He's feeling better, so it's good."

Matthews has been out since Tuesday, when the club announced he was dealing with an upper-body injury and would miss the game against the Boston Bruins. The team subsequently placed Matthews on injured reserve for roster management purposes, making him ineligible for the game against the Montreal Canadiens. However, he will be eligible to return on Tuesday when the Leafs host the Ottawa Senators.

Berube has confirmed that Matthews' current issue is unrelated to past wrist injuries, though the exact nature of the ailment is unknown.

So far this season, Matthews has recorded five goals and six assists in 13 games. He’s off his usual scoring pace, following two 60-plus goal seasons in the past three years, including a 69-goal performance in 2023-24.

The Leafs have managed well in Matthews' absence, with the power play finding success at 5-for-9 and the team going 2-0-0 over that span.