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Craig Berube offers a sobering update on Auston Matthews' injury


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Alexander Cole
December 31, 2025  (10:50)
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Dec 8, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) shoots the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Scotiabank Arena
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was not in the lineup against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, and now, all eyes are on the Winnipeg Jets.

Yesterday morning, the Toronto Maple Leafs had fans in a tizzy after announcing a whole plethora of injuries. Chris Tanev and Dakota Joshua were considered locks to miss last night's game, while Auston Matthews was a game-time decision.
In the end, Matthews took the night off, alongside William Nylander. Interestingly enough, the Maple Leafs were able to overcome the injuries and defeat the New Jersey Devils by a score of 4-0.
It was an incredible game, and one that sets up the Leafs quite nicely as they look to ring in the New Year the right way on Thursday with a game against the Winnipeg Jets.
There are some major questions going into this game against the Jets, as fans are curious to know whether or not Matthews is going to be in the lineup.

Auston Matthews injury update

After last night's game, Leafs head coach Craig Berube acknowledged that Matthews almost played against the Devils, but thought better of it.
As for whether or not Thursday is in the cards, Berube believes there is a chance; however, Matthews needs to get back on the ice first.
Fairly close. But, we'll see how he is tomorrow. Hopefully, everything subsides a little bit more and see if he can get on the ice tomorrow. That would be good.
For much of the season, Matthews has struggled. He has 15 goals in 33 games and a total of 27 points, which is not good enough for a player making $13.25 million per season.
Having said that, the Toronto Maple Leafs are having themselves a decent stretch of hockey, and if they keep winning, they could find themselves in a Wild Card playoff spot.
It's not going to be easy, but their recent play suggests that it is very much possible.
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Craig Berube offers a sobering update on Auston Matthews' injury

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