"Auston Matthews is not expected to play in tomorrow afternoon's Next Century Game versus, but based on his activity over the last two days one would think that he is getting closer to a return to the lineup. When Matthews skated before Sunday's full team workout, he took it easy with just some light skating and shooting. According to Kristen Shilton of TSN, today's workout was much more intense for Matthews: «Joined by a trainer and skills coach, Matthews went full-speed through several drills similar to what his teammates would be doing later in practice, including puck protection work and makeshift battle drills. He has missed the Leafs' last four games after he and teammate Morgan Rielly collided in the 4-3 win over the Penguins in Pittsburgh Dec. 9.» There is no doubt that Matthews is doing all he can to get back into the lineup, but the team is taking it slow with their young franchise player and rightfully so! «That's a great question, I asked the same one,» head coach Mike Babcock replied when asked if Matthews will play ether Tuesday or Wednesday. «He's doing good. I don't know when they're letting him play but he's doing good, how's that?»"
