Dec 20, 2024; Buffalo, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) waits for the fqceoff during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

nhl

Auston Matthews Misses Capitals Game Due to Upper-Body Injury

Toronto Maple Leafs face the Capitals without Auston Matthews, sidelined with an upper-body injury, leaving fans concerned about his return.

Auston Matthews will not play in his fourth consecutive game due to an upper-body injury for the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Washington Capitals at Scotiabank Arena on Saturday. The center did not participate in Toronto’s 5-2 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday and has been declared out for the weekend. Matthews practiced by himself Saturday morning.

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube mentioned that Matthews is advancing, but there is no schedule for his comeback. The Maple Leafs’ captain missed the entire morning skate before a 6-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 20, yet he scored and logged 19:18 of playing time.

“He’s doing better, but I would say no to tomorrow too, Again, he’s doing better, which is good, but I can’t give you much more than that, to be honest.” : Berube said Friday.

He endured two tough blows during the match, one from Sabres forward Tage Thompson in the first period and a cross-check delivered by defenseman Dennis Gilbert in the third period, yet he completed the game.

Auston Matthews, who will miss tonight's game against the Capitals, skated for about 30 minutes this morning. pic.twitter.com/0kA87eeRnM
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 28, 2024

Matthews was sidelined for nine games last month due to an upper-body injury and made his return on Nov. 30 in a 5-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning. While he was recovering, he went on a five-day journey to Germany to meet with a doctor that both he and other Maple Leafs players have consulted previously. The injury was one he had been dealing with since being sidelined during the preseason.

Also Read: Jakub Dobes Shines with 34-Save Shutout in NHL Debut, Canadiens Beat Panthers 4-0

Regarding whether the injury he incurred against Buffalo is connected to the prior injury or if it stands alone, neither Matthews nor Berube have provided any additional details. The coach did previously mention that it is not connected to a wrist injury Matthews underwent surgery for in the 2021 offseason.

Matthews has recorded 12 points (six goals and six assists) in 11 matches since his return from the injury, aiding Toronto to an 8-3-0 mark during that period. He ranks fourth on the Maple Leafs with 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) over 24 games this season.

He topped the League with a personal-best 69 goals last season and has netted a minimum of 40 goals in every one of the last five seasons. Since joining the NHL in the 2016-17 season, Matthews tops the league with 379 goals, which is 29 ahead of Leon Draisaitl from the Edmonton Oilers, who ranks second. Toronto posted a record of 7-2-0 last month without Matthews and has a historical record of 43-22-2 without him.

Image Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Auston Matthews

NHL

Toronto Maple Leafs

Anamika Shrivastava

nhl

I’ve always loved writing and storytelling, and hockey gives me a perfect stage for endless stories to tell. Whether it’s breaking down a game, analyzing a big trade, or capturing the emotions on the ice, I bring the NHL to life through words. So what’s the best part you ask? Watching the action unfold and turning it into something fans can connect with. To my readers: Hockey is more than just a game—it’s the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that make us jump off our seats. So, keep cheering, keep debating, and never stop loving the madness of the sport!