Photo credit: Maple Leafs on X

Craig Berube’s comments on Thursday following Maple Leafs practice lead to a rising level of concern over the health status of captain Auston Matthews.

When Auston Matthews missed practice again on Thursday, it painted a pretty clear picture of what to expect for Friday’s game against Detroit, which is that Matthews is not likely to suit up.

While his status for both Friday and Saturday’s games against the Red Wings and Canadiens haven’t been officially decided, some comments made by Craig Berube following Leafs practice on Thursday are not only very telling, but concerning as well.

Berube met with the media following Thursday morning’s session at Ford Performance Centre and his phrasing in his response to questions about Matthews’ health certainly made it seem like the injury issue he’s dealing with may not be as minor as originally thought. On Matthews’ status for the upcoming set of home games this weekend, Berube had this to say:
“That’s to be determined still. It’s hard for me to answer that question knowing what I know right now with him today.”

The last sentence certainly makes it seem like Berube knows something that could indicate a lengthier layoff than the original day-to-day designation that Matthews was given. At least that’s my interpretation of it.

Matthews’ mysterious ailment is an upper-body injury that is unrelated to his previous wrist issue, for which he required surgery. Knowing that it’s not his wrist is a relief, but the fact that the rest of the situation is shrouded in mystery isn’t helping anyone to feel more comfortable with the situation right now.