Maple Leafs Get a Boost as Matthews Returns from Injury

Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews is set to return from an upper-body injury on Saturday night when the team faces off against the Boston Bruins. Matthews missed the last six games after reaggravating the same injury that kept him out for nine games in November.

Matthews is a vital part of the Maple Leafs’ offense, having led the league with 69 goals last season. His presence will be a welcome addition to a team that has gone 3-3-0 in his most recent absence.

“It’s exciting,” Matthews said after the morning skate. “It’s never fun watching, so I feel excited about being back in. Just been trying to work back into things and just trying to feel good. That’s about it.”

Coach Craig Berube is excited to have Matthews back in the lineup but will be mindful of his workload coming off the injury.

“It’s tough, because he’s the type of guy you want on the ice as much as you can,” Berube said. “But at the same time, my job is to manage that and we will get communication from him, how he’s feeling, and so we will try to limit that as best we can.”

The Maple Leafs are looking to get back on track after a recent slump and will be hoping that Matthews’ return will provide a spark for the offense.

 By Vitalina Andrushchenko, Staff Writer