The Toronto Maple Leafs are getting a major injury boost in Auston Matthews just in time for their showdown with the New York Rangers on Monday.
Matthews has been sidelined for months now after undergoing wrist surgery last August. He has missed the Maple Leafs' first three games of the 2021-22 season as he recovered from the injury and operation, but he seems to be feeling better now physically and mentally.
The 24-year-old forward hinted as much on Sunday, as he shared his confidence as he makes his season debut.
“I'm pumped, it's not been a lot of fun watching,” Matthews said after Sunday's practice, per Sports Illustrated. “It's been good to stay patient and make sure I'm feeling fully confident, taking a little bit of time and I absolutely do.”
For what it's worth, Auston Matthews' return has long been expected since he participated in the Maple Leafs' training camp last month. Not to mention that the team put his recovery timeline at a minimum of six weeks after his successful surgery, and it has been over two months since then.
Matthews' return could be just what the Maple Leafs need as they assert their dominance in the Atlantic Division and the East. They are 2-1 through three contests, good enough for the top seed in the division, but they know they have to separate themselves from the rest of the playing field early to assure their spot in the playoffs.
Matthews is a key cog on the Maple Leafs offense, having registered 41 goals and 25 assists in 2021.
It remains to be seen how he will actually play after his injury, but it won't be wrong to expect him to make an impact quickly in his first game of the 2021-22 campaign.
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