'Everybody Is Excited About Him Being Out There': Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews Practicing, But Won't Play Against Islanders

Auston Matthews is back practicing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The 27-year-old skated on Monday with the team for the first time since aggravating an upper-body injury against the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 20. Matthews also skated on Saturday morning ahead of Toronto's matchup against the Washington Capitals but was ruled out a day earlier by head coach Craig Berube.

Berube also said on Saturday that Matthews had been skating before the media saw him ahead of their game against the Capitals. "He's been on the ice the last couple of days, so making real good progress, which is great and he's feeling a lot better," Berube said.

Matthews rotated through Toronto's top line at practice with John Tavares, Mitch Marner, and Matthew Knies. Berube confirmed after practice that Matthews will not play on Tuesday against the New York Islanders.

"It was good to see Auston out there skating with us. "That was a good sign. I think everybody is excited about him being out there too," Berube added. "He did a good job in practice today I thought and I think he feels pretty good."

The Maple Leafs' captain took a cross-check from Sabres defenseman Dennis Gilbert in the game against the Sabres and appeared to be in pain afterward. He finished the game but hasn't played since.

Related: 'Making Real Good Progress': Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews Skating, But Still Too Early For Timeline On Return

Matthews initially picked up the upper-body injury during training camp, however, he was able to play through it. That was until early November when he began missing games for Toronto.

The forward was out for nearly the entire month and even flew to Munich, Germany, to receive treatment from a doctor who he's seen in the past. Since returning to the lineup (before leaving again on Dec. 20), Matthews has 12 points (six goals, six assists) in 11 games.

Related: Maple Leafs' Brad Treliving Explains Why Auston Matthews Flew To Germany To Get His Undisclosed Upper-Body Issue Checked Out

He has 11 goals and 12 assists for 23 points in 24 games this season with the Maple Leafs. Matthews is in the first year of a four-year, $53 million contract he signed with Toronto in 2023.

The forward has 379 goals and 293 assists for 672 points in 586 career games.

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