Some exciting Auston Matthews news to announce
Auston Matthews has missed the Leafs last 5 games as well as the entire All-Star break with a knee sprain suffered in warmups before a January 25th game against the New York Rangers. Rather than using the All-Star break for a vacation like many NHLers do, Matthews stayed in Toronto, working hard on his physiotherapy to expedite his return to the ice.
Over the past two weeks, Matthews has gone from skating before practice, to joining the team in a red no-contact jersey. Today, however, Matthews took to the ice in a regular blue jersey, signaling that he has been cleared for contact and is likely to be available when the Leafs face off against the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.
Matthews is having a down year offensively this season, partly due to nagging injuries, but mostly because of a renewed commitment to defensive play. Before his knee injury, Matthews was leading all forwards in blocked shots this season. Even now, only Garnet Hathaway and Nick Bonino have gotten in front of more pucks than Matthews this season. He may not be in the Hart conversation this year, but if he continues to play the way he has, he should absolutely be getting Selke votes.
The Leafs 2-3-0 record while Matthews was out, which is a testament to just how important Matthews is to this team. Having him back in the lineup will be a much needed boost after that abysmal effort against the Blue Jackets.
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 14 | 233 ANSWERS Some exciting Auston Matthews news to announce Should Auston Matthews still get Hart Trophy consideration even with his down year production-wise? | ||
| Yes | 35 | 15 % |
| No | 119 | 51.1 % |
| It's McDavid's award this year | 79 | 33.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
