Toronto Maple Leafs' Matthews Reveals Troubling Injury That Affected Him the Entire Season
Photo credit: Sportsnet
The Toronto Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews revealed a troubling fact about the lack of production we saw during the postseason: his game was affected by an injury suffered during training camp.
Typically, for NHL players who make it into the postseason, we hear stories of the number of injuries suffered after the team exits the first round, second round of the Eastern or Western conference finals.
But for Auston Matthews, he'd been dealing with a nagging injury that has plagued him all season.
Which might explain why he's been such a ghost during the last stretch of games in the playoffs. A huge explanation of why the team was unable to put up a good fight against the Panthers.
Got injured in training camp. Obviously wasn't feeling great through the first month or so of the season and took some time off. Went to Germany and did all these things to try to feel better and then finally got to a place where I felt like I could manage it. Definitely a tough year physically. But with some time off... I'm confident that I'll be back next season 100%
Now, with the Maple Leafs destined for an early exit and a trip to the golf course, Matthews can begin healing and return to the ice 100% next season.
This season has seen a steep decline in production from Matthews, after his 107-point season in 2023-2024.
This year, the former Rocket Richard Trophy winner posted only 78 points (33 goals, 45 assists) in 67 games with the Maple Leafs.
In 13 playoff games, he'd still do his best to contribute to the team, scoring 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists), but would ghost the team when they needed him the most against the Panthers.
Despite his best efforts, his suffering contributed to what could end up being the downfall of the "Core Four" after an unsuccessful nine-year stretch where the team accumulated 1st and 2nd-round exits like no one's business.
When Matthews returns healthy, Brad Treliving should consider retooling the Maple Leafs in the image of Bill Zito's gritty Panthers lineup.
For now, Maple Leaf fans will have to sit with another year of a Stanley Cup finals their team isn't a part of.
| POLL | ||
MAI 21 | 344 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs' Matthews Reveals Troubling Injury That Affected Him the Entire Season Do you think center Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs can make it to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 96 | 27.9 % |
| No | 248 | 72.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
