'It's A Little Concerning': After Auston Matthews' First Practice, Will He Be Ready For Return To Maple Leafs Lineup Against Panthers?

Auston Matthews participated in Toronto Maple Leafs practice on Tuesday for the first time since he was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Nov. 3. However, it doesn't sound like he'll be in the lineup against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night.

The 27-year-old skated alongside Pontus Holmberg and William Nylander during the team's skate before heading to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, later on Tuesday.

Matthews hasn't played since Nov. 3 against the Minnesota Wild due to an upper-body injury, and by the sounds of both he and Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube, it appears we might have to wait a bit longer to see him in game action.

"Well, the tricky part is practice, right? So, on the first day, you know, like I said, he looked fine and he felt fine, but, you know, not having a lot of practice time, it's a little concerning," Berube said.

Matthews echoed similar thoughts on Tuesday.

"I think the individual skates were much different than a team practice, so this being kind of like the first actual team practice I've skated in, I've felt really good," the forward said after practice, "but I might need maybe one or two to really get my legs and lungs back under me.

"But we'll just kind of see how I respond today and take it and see what happens tomorrow."

After Wednesday's game against Florida, the Maple Leafs will have two days before their matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

If Matthews doesn't play against the Panthers, he'll likely skate in one more practice —or two, if they decide to practice on both days — which could set him up to play against the Lightning.

Related: 'Wednesday Possibly, We'll See How the Week Goes': Auston Matthews Explains His Germany Visit and When He May Return To Maple Leafs Lineup

The Maple Leafs have gone 7-1 in Matthews' absence, losing the only game in that stretch to the Ottawa Senators on Nov. 12. The forward said even with seeing the team winning, it was difficult to be out of the lineup.

"I mean, I don't think it's ever easy. But, when we continue to play and bank wins and continue to progress as a team, I think that's a sign of a great team and it definitely gives you a lot of encouragement to see that," said Matthews.

"It sucks watching, obviously, I want to be out there as soon as possible. But to see guys step up and other players step in and make an impact, that's a great sign for us."

Matthews has scored five goals and six assists for 11 points in his first 13 games of the season with the Maple Leafs.