The Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a crossroads early in the season, with the fate of their campaign hanging in the balance and the city’s collective heartbeat echoing through Scotiabank Arena. The spotlight, as always, shines brightest on Auston Matthews, the team’s dynamic captain and centerpiece—yet, for reasons that have left fans, analysts, and rivals alike scratching their heads, Matthews has been conspicuously absent from the lineup for longer than anyone anticipated.

As rumors swirl and speculation mounts, the hockey world is abuzz with questions: What has kept Matthews sidelined so unexpectedly? Is this just another minor setback, or is there something deeper lurking beneath the surface? The answers, it seems, are more complex than anyone first realized.

The initial reports were straightforward enough. Matthews, injured during a heated contest against the Boston Bruins, was expected to miss a handful of games—a precautionary measure, nothing more. But as days turned into weeks and the Leafs’ star remained off the ice, the narrative began to shift. Was the injury more serious than the team let on? Had Matthews suffered a significant blow, or was there another explanation for his prolonged absence?

Into this void of uncertainty stepped two of hockey’s most respected insiders, Chris Johnston and Darren Dreger of TSN, whose new reporting has shed light on the situation in ways that few could have predicted. Their insights, gathered from sources close to the team and Matthews himself, reveal a story that is both reassuring and deeply concerning for Toronto’s hopes this season.

What Johnston and Dreger have uncovered is not your typical hockey injury. The issue, they say, is less about a single moment of impact and more about a lingering, muscular problem that has quietly plagued Matthews for longer than most realized. Unlike the dramatic injuries that come with crunching hits and spectacular falls, Matthews’ ailment is subtle, persistent, and—perhaps most importantly—requires a very different approach to recovery.

For Matthews, the challenge is not just to return to play, but to do so in a way that safeguards his long-term health and the Leafs’ ambitions. The team, acutely aware of how last season’s injuries derailed their star’s momentum, has opted for caution, prioritizing rest and rehabilitation over the temptation to rush their captain back into action. It’s a decision that has sparked debate among fans and experts, all eager to see Matthews back in blue and white but wary of the risks that come with pushing too soon.

The timing of his return remains uncertain, with whispers that Saturday’s clash against Montreal could mark his comeback—or that the team might wait until Wednesday’s matchup with Columbus to ensure he’s truly ready. The Leafs’ schedule, fortuitously spaced, offers Matthews a rare window to heal, but the final decision will hinge on his own readiness and the team’s willingness to play the long game.

As the anticipation builds and the questions multiply, one thing is clear: Auston Matthews’ road back to the ice is anything but straightforward. The stakes are high, the details tantalizingly out of reach, and the hockey world is watching closely to see how this story unfolds.

Oct 8, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) skates with the puck against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Scotiabank Arena

Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

New reporting reveals why Auston Matthews has been out longer than expected.

Reporting from Chris Johnston and Darren Dreger of TSN gave new insight into the injury around Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, and how much longer the Leafs star forward may see himself out of the lineup.

Matthews has been out of the Leafs lineup after being injured in Toronto’s game last Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.

Initially thought to have been an injury suffered after a hit from Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov, it was clarified that wasn’t the case and Matthews’ injury was more of a lingering issue.

With more information, Johnston and Dreger discussed the injury to Matthews, and when he may return to the Leafs lineup.

Johnston and Dreger said that Saturday could be the earliest return for Matthews against Montreal, but that Toronto could wait until Wednesday vs Columbus.

Why this injury has kept Matthews out the lineup longer

According to Chris Johnston, Matthews is dealing with a muscular issue, a lingering issue that has made it difficult for Matthews to play through.

Johnston said that the injury is one that requires rest, so Matthews has spent a bit more time than he would have with a regular injury due to the benefit that resting has on managing muscle issues long-term.

 

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Wanting to avoid any sort of lingering issues that may flare up such as the injury that caused Matthews to miss two separate stretches of time last season, Toronto is letting Matthews be more cautious.

According to Johnston, Matthews sitting out may be the best path forward for both sides.

How the Leafs schedule benefits Auston Matthews’ recovery

As mentioned by Johnston and Dreger, the Leafs could wait an additional game to let Matthews get to full health, and it may be the better option for Toronto to give him an extra day off.

Like Johnston detailed, muscular injuries respond better to rest in order to heal, making it a potentially smarter decision to let Matthews wait until Wednesday, getting him closer to 100% even if sacrifices a game.

As well, Johnston notes that because of the three day gap in games for Toronto, that it would be some additional rest for Matthews and could be even more help for the captain.

Whether Auston Matthews returns Saturday or Wednesday as his first game back for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it will likely depend on how Matthews feels by Saturday, and if he’s ready, expect him to be back as soon as he possibly can.