Auston Matthews provides crucial health update

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been without the services of superstar forward Auston Matthews since last month as he recovers from a sprained knee. The good news for the Leafs is that his injury coincided with the lengthy break in the schedule thanks to the NHL All-Star break. 

The even better news is that as his team is gearing up to face the Original 6 rival Chicago Blackhawks tomorrow night at Scotiabank Arena, he could be in the lineup. According to Matthews, he'll see how he feels tomorrow morning before making a decision on his status for the game.

“See how everything responds (Wednesday) morning and see how I'm feeling,” Matthews said. “For myself, just trying to get into the mindset in anticipation of playing and go from there.”

The Leafs have gone 2-3 in the five games that Matthews has missed, and needless to say, he's ready to get back into the lineup rather than just watching his teammates play without him.

“Just trying to take in the silver lining of things and utilizing the break to improve and feel better,” he said. “Hopefully this is the last time I'll be missing.

“It's not fun watching.”

In 47 games played, Matthews has scored 25 goals with 28 assists. Right now, he's on pace to hit 40 goals scored, not quite on pace for another Rocket Richard Trophy winning season, but still a great offensive production for just about any other player in the NHL not named Connor McDavid. 

Tomorrow's game is set to begin at 7:00 PM EST.