Auston Matthews injury update brings mixed news from the Maple Leafs


Nov 8, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) pursues the puck ahead of Boston Bruins defenseman Andrew Peeke (26) in the first period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Craig Berube’s latest update on Auston Matthews is a mix of good and bad news. The captain is back on the ice and ‘improving’, but he’s already been ruled out for Thursday’s game against Columbus and still doesn’t have a firm return date.

The Toronto Maple Leafs stopped their five-game losing skid on Tuesday with a 3-2 OT win over St. Louis and did so while incredibly short-handed.

The big question now is when their injured players will actually return, and timelines are still moving targets based on the severity of each case.

Auston Matthews is the biggest name injured, as the team’s captain has been out since Nov. 11 after taking a hit from Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov though recently took the ice in a very positive step forward.

What Craig Berube actually revealed about Auston Matthews today

Matthews is coming along. Like, he’s improving. Obviously, he won’t play tomorrow.

Berube’s update lines up with what GM Brad Treliving said earlier in the day, when he tried to offer some cautious optimism about Matthews’ timeline:

Probably after Thursday, at least we get a little bit better sense of how things are responding. I don’t anticipate too, too long.

It’s unfortunate that Matthews won’t be back for Thursday’s game and there’s still no concrete date for his return, which means Toronto is going to have to run with what they’ve got.

How this latest update affects the Leafs’ plans in the short term

If this wave of injuries drags on much longer, the Leafs’ depth is going to be tested harder than anyone expected this early in the season.

Toronto historically has had a good record with Matthews out of the lineup but the fact remains he is still a crucial part of the team and his return will benefit them, but for now they have to weather the storm.

Berube’s job now is simple and brutal: keep the Leafs treading water in the standings so that when Matthews does come back, there’s still something worth salvaging.

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Auston Matthews injury update brings mixed news from the Maple Leafs

Is Auston Matthews’ injury more serious than the team is letting on?