Auston Matthews Set to Return as Maple Leafs Face Lightning

 

Photo Credits: AP Photo

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be getting a massive boost to their lineup Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Star forward Auston Matthews will return to the lineup following a nine-game absence. Matthews hasn’t played a game since Nov. 3 against the Minnesota Wild.

Matthews told reporters on Friday that he will play tomorrow night. Although we don’t know what type of injury Matthews had, he visited a specialist in Germany for treatment. The injury began after the Maple Leafs’ first preseason game and worsened as he continued to play through it.

The Maple Leafs did well without their captain in the lineup, going 7-2-0 and being carried by Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares.

Matthews skated on a line at practice with Matthew Knies, who looks like he’ll return from injury after missing two games, and William Nylander.

Toronto will be without forwards Max Domi, David Kampf, Callie Jarnkrok, Max Pacioretty, and Bobby McMann due to injury and Ryan Reaves due to suspension.

Before his injury, Matthews had five goals and six assists for 11 points in 13 games this season.