Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews formally returned to practice Friday, after working through a lower-body injury incurred during training camp.
Matthews was ruled out of Thursday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, although it should be noted that star players regularly miss preseason games for myriad reasons. Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube previously told reporters that Matthews’ injury wasn’t serious.
The 27-year-old got some individual work in alongside Calle Jarnkrok ahead of Thursday’s practice session, then skated with the game group in a regular capacity during the optional skate, before making his full return on Friday.
“Feeling much better,” Matthews said via TSN’s Mark Masters. “Just maintenance stuff, nothing crazy, but just kind of needed a couple days to let it settle down and I’m feeling good now.”
Matthews was originally paired alongside Matthew Knies and Mitch Marner to begin training camp, and they’re widely expected to operate as Toronto’s first line on opening night, when the Maple Leafs begin their season against the Canadiens on October 9.
The reigning Rocket Richard winner returned to Toronto’s top power play unit alongside Marner, William Nylander, Morgan Rielly and Bobby McMann, who was working in place of John Tavares, who is day-to-day with a lower body injury. Easton Cowan also received some time with the power play unit, after playing Thursday’s game alongside Marner and Max Domi.
Matthews is coming off a tremendous 2023-24 season where he scored 69 goals — the best total since Mario Lemieux in 1995-96 — and 107 points, where he earned his first Selke Trophy nomination, and finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting. He was formally announced as Toronto’s next captain on August 14, taking over from John Tavares. Matthews has embraced his leadership style, entering his ninth NHL season, and is poised for another massive year as the NHL’s best all-around forward.
