The injury bug continues to bite the Toronto Maple Leafs. Superstar centre Auston Matthews is now listed as day-to-day with a hand injury, putting his status for Saturday’s game in Edmonton in jeopardy.
Leafs centre Auston Matthews (hand) will not practice today and is listed as day-to-day.
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) February 26, 2021
Auston Matthews Day-To-Day With Hand Injury
While unfortunate, this news isn’t entirely shocking. Multiple reports over the last week have indicated that Matthews has been dealing with nagging wrist pain all season, and missing practice is likely just an effort to get him some rest. However, the official day-to-day designation still makes his status unknown for tomorrow’s game against the Edmonton Oilers.
This season has been nothing short of spectacular for Matthews. In 20 games, he leads the league with 18 goals. His 11 tallies at even strength lead the league as well. If he keeps up this pace, it will be his third time in five seasons leading the league in even-strength tallies (including his rookie season). With 31 points, he’s now taken a one-point lead for first on the team over Mitch Marner (30 points in 21 games).
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Logging almost 22 minutes a night, Matthews has found immediate chemistry with Marner and Joe Thornton (when healthy) on the team’s top line this season. Through almost 100 minutes of ice time together, the trio has an expected goals percentage of 67.7. It’s benefitted Thornton greatly. His nine points through nine games have him on a point-per-game pace for the first time since 2015-16.
If Matthews can’t play Saturday night, John Tavares will likely serve as the first-line centre. Tavares has been good with 17 points in 21 games, but only has two points in his last five outings. Additional ice time and some different linemates could help Tavares produce against the Oilers.
For now, though, the main concern is Matthews’ health going forward. In a compressed season, pulling Matthews out of a few games now is more desirable than having him tired and worn down come playoff time.
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