Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Craig Berube explained his reasoning for not reuniting Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews on the Maple Leafs’ top line.

Placed on injured Reserve November 8th, Matthews made his return to practice on Tuesday. In his return, many expected Matthews to skate on a line with Marner, but Berube had different ideas, placing Matthews with William Nylander and Pontus Holmberg.

Following practice, Berube was asked about his decision and gave a very logical answer.

“The (McMann, Tavares, Marner) line has been very good, both defensively and offensively. They are doing a really good job there. I felt really reluctant to just put Mitch and Matty back together. I like the looks of what I had today with them. They had a good practice, and they looked pretty good and pretty comfortable. I know that Auston has played with Willy and [Holmberg] before.«
 

 

While many expect Matthews to return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Florida Panthers, both he and Berube were hesitant to confirm that notion.

Although neither confirmed his playing status for Wednesday, the fact Matthews participated in a full practice and took part in regular line rushes bodes well for the Leafs’ captain.

Through just 13 games for the Leafs this season, Matthews has only tallied 6 goals and 11 points – far off the 69-goal pace he had last season.

Hopefully, as the Leafs noted, the injury is now behind the Arizona product and he can begin his climb back up the leaderboard and back into the Rocket Richard Trophy race.