Fans hoping to see a clash between Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid on Saturday night will be disappointed.
Matthews will not be available for the game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Edmonton Oilers, TSN tipster Darren Dreger has learned.
“With the Leafs’ schedule, the extra rest time coincides with the Leafs’ desire to have their captain 100% healthy,” Dreger said on X.
Matthews played his last game on November 3, when the Maple Leafs lost 2–1 in overtime to the Minnesota Wild. He skated over the weekend, but was kept off the ice this week.
Head coach Craig Berube refused to say that Matthews had taken a step back from his injury.
“The injury is not yet at the stage we want it to be,” Berube said. So we’re trying to manage the situation and make sure that when he comes back, he’s ready and 100% healthy. »
Chris Johnston reported Thursday that the hope for the Maple Leafs is that Matthews will be able to return to the game fully healthy, without being inconvenienced.
“I can tell you there is optimism. Not only is his recovery going in the right direction, but there is a feeling that when he returns to the game, he will not be bothered by these problems, that this period of rest will completely eliminate the problems for Auston Matthews. »
Johnston recalled that the Leafs have a favorable schedule in this matter since they will only play three games in 13 days.
After Saturday’s game, the Maple Leafs will host the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday and the Utah Hockey Club next Sunday.
David Perron nears a return
At Snateurs practice on Friday morning, David Perron skated with the regulars alongside Shane Pinto and MIchael Amadio.
The Quebecer missed the last 11 games for personal reasons. According to coach Travis Green, the 36-year-old veteran is back with the team and will return to action shortly.
In five games with the Sens this season, Perron is still looking for a first point.
