Maple Leafs Provide Update on Auston Matthews Injury

Leafs Nation was holding their breath after it was announced Auston Matthews wasn't going to suit up against the New York Islanders on Easter Sunday. Turns out there doesn't appear to be a huge cause for concern as Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe spoke about the superstar's health after the 4-2 win.

Keefe admitted if it was a playoff game Matthews is likely in the lineup as he's apparently dealing with a minor injury. The Leafs and Keefe wouldn't disclose exactly what is going on, even if it's upper or lower body, but just confirmed it's minor and doesn't appear to be anything to worry about. The Arizona native has had wrist problems in the past so some feel this could be the area of concern.

Sheldon Keefe on Auston Matthews missing tonight's game:

"We got to be smart about it ... it's a pretty easy discussion. It's just not worth him having to play through anything as minor as it might have been"
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) April 18, 2022

While others are suggesting it could just be a routine day off before the postseason, Matthews is chasing 60 goals so that's not likely the case at all. The Leafs superstar has enjoyed a historic season, collecting 58 goals and 102 points in 70 games. He's in line for some hardware this summer and he could very well win both the Rocket Richard trophy and the Hart, while also receiving some Selke votes for his 200-foot game.

Toronto's next game is Tuesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers and at this point it's 50-50 if Matthews suits up. While hitting the 60-goal mark in front of the home crowd would be an amazing scene for Leafs Nation, everyone's more concerned he's good to go for game 1 of the Stanley Cup playoffs as the Maple Leafs look to win their first playoff series in almost two decades.