The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that Auston Matthews will miss the 2020 NHL All-Star Game with an acute wrist injury. The team has listed him as day-to-day. Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk will take his place at the NHL All-Star Game.
Auston Matthews will not take part in the on-ice events at this weekend’s NHL all-star game because of a nagging injury, but will travel to St. Louis to support/participate in the event.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) January 22, 2020
Auston Matthews To Miss NHL All-Star Game
Matthews is dealing with a wrist injury that has been nagging him for weeks. While he will not participate in the on-ice activities in St. Louis, Matthews will be there to support and participate in the other events surrounding All-Star Weekend. This is similar to what Sidney Crosby did during the 2009 NHL All-Star Game in Montreal. Like Crosby, it is unlikely that Matthews will be forced to miss a game since he will be participating in the off-ice activities.
Matthews returned to Scottsdale, Arizona during the bye week. He spent time skating and working out to be ready for All-Star Weekend. After further consultation with team trainers and doctors, it was decided that it was best to take an extra couple of days to rest the nagging injury. The Maple Leafs expect Matthews to be ready when the team resumes action next week in Nashville.
This was a hard decision as Matthews has enjoyed his prior all-star experiences. In his first four seasons in the NHL, he has been named to the Atlantic Division team. Matthews is having a career year for the Maple Leafs. In 49 games this season, he has 57 points (34 points and 23 assists).
Brady Tkachuk Named An All-Star
In his place, the NHL announced that Brady Tkachuk of the Senators will replace Matthews on the Atlantic Division team at All-Star Weekend. In 48 games this season, he has 27 points (15 goals and 12 assists).
Brady will face off against his brother Matthew Tkachuk of the Calgary Flames this weekend in St. Louis during the skills competition. There is a possibility the brothers could face-off at some point during the 3-on-3 tournament during the All-Star Game itself.
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