Unexpected Injury Setback for Auston Matthews: Craig Berube Has Made a Surprising Decision

There is some unfortunate news coming from the Maple Leafs today, and it appears that Auston Matthews will not be suiting up when the team plays the Oilers.

Well, the update wasn't the most promising regarding Auston Matthews, as the Toronto Maple Leafs star forward has been out with an undisclosed upper-body injury for a total of five games thus far and will miss a sixth this coming Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers.

According to TSN's Darren Dreger, Matthews isn't quite ready to return to action just yet, with the team wanting to make sure he's fully healthy before returning to the lineup.

A cautious approach, indeed, and that speaks volumes about the Leafs' long-term mindset, even if fans salivate at the chance to get their captain back.

A report from insider Chris Johnston earlier this week speculating Matthews could play Saturday seems premature in retrospect.

The Leafs have done just fine without him, though, piling up victories in four of their last five contests on the back of some depth and grit.

But no team ever benefits from losing its top player, and Toronto will be no different, surely champing at the bit to get Matthews back to full health.

Looking ahead, the Leafs don't play again until Wednesday against the Vegas Golden Knights after their game against Edmonton.

That's an opportunity for a little extra rest that could prove to be a welcome window to get Matthews back in the lineup with the least amount of lingering worry about the injury.

With the Leafs stepping up in his absence, there is little doubt that his return to a fully healthy captain can only elevate the team.

As a matter of fact, the countdown has begun for when he gets the clearance to hit the ice once again.

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