Report: Auston Matthews Is Playing While Injured

Auston Matthews was listed as day-to-day last week with a nagging wrist injury. He missed some time against the Edmonton Oilers but has been injected back into the line-up. He went scoreless for some time after, but it appears he's starting to find his game. Nonetheless, Matthews is playing hurt.

The NHL's leading goal scorer potted two more to cement his scoring lead. Although the Toronto Maple Leafs were defeated by the Winnipeg Jets, Matthews made large strides on the injury front. He has been playing hurt, but claims his lungs and legs are just fine. His shot is not as strong due to the injury, which has also been recognized by Coach Sheldon Keefe.

It's alright, I'd definitely like to see it heal a bit. I think I still need it to progress a bit. I'm still trying to find my rhythm for sure coming back. I think, physically, my legs and lungs and everything felt find. I think it's just kind of getting my timing back.

Coach Keefe also weighed in on Matthews' nagging wrist injury.

It's clear that the injury affects his shot. We've moved him around on the power play as a result of that, since he's not as comfortable shooting. But he's shown that he's very good in a lot of other areas. It doesn't seem to affect his ability to handle the puck, to pass the puck. But he's dealing with the mental effect of what not being 100% himself has on his game, and the effect of missing time. When you miss time, you lose your rhythm, it throws you off a little bit.

He's found ways to generate chances and shots. He's made plays for his linemates, and he's bringing a lot of really positive things to use. In time, it's the type of injury that will heal itself. He's just got to work his way through it and we're fortunate to this point we don't think it's going to get worse. It's just something he's going to have to play through and he's done a good job of that.

Matthews has been an integral part of the team and is showing he is more than a one trick pony. Despite this injury, he continues to climb the goal ladder in the Maurice Richard Trophy race.