Concerns Arise After Auston Matthews Leaves Leafs Practice With Injury

Skating on a line with Mitch Marner and Steven Lorentz, who returned from injury and acting as a place holder for Matthew Knies, Auston Matthews was not on the ice long Tuesday for practice. The three-time Rocket Richard winner left practice after 25 minutes when the Leafs switched rinks at their practice facility in Etobicoke.

There was no sign of an injury as he left the ice, but following practice, Craig Berube confirmed that Matthews left due to an upper-body injury.

While Berube is calling it ‘nothing serious’ Matthews has had his fair share of injuries in the past, including multiple wrist injuries as well as back issues and a possible concussion from this past post-season against the Boston Bruins.

Matthews didn’t look any worse for wear in Sunday’s overtime loss to the Ottawa Senators in the team’s first pre-season action, but the concern from Leaf fans is still there given a large part of the Leafs’ success hinges on the 27-Year-old Arizona native. It was unlikely that Matthews was going to suit up for Thursday’s game against the Montreal Canadiens, but there should be no doubt that he’ll be watching from the stands now.

Matthews and the Leafs will be as cautious and secretive as possible to ensure the newly minted captain can take to the ice for the season and home opener on October 12th against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.