Latest News on Auston Matthews Does Not Bode Well for the Maple Leafs

Ahead of the Leafs' matchup against the Boston Bruins earlier this week, the team confirmed that Matthews would not be in the lineup, and was dealing with an upper-body injury. Thankfully, the team was up to the task, dispatching of the Bruins by a score of 4-0, helping Anthony Stolarz to secure his first shutout of the season.

There was originally hope that Matthews, whose injury is not related to his previous wrist issue, might be ready to return in time for this weekend's back-to-back slate against Detroit and Montreal. Unfortunately, that does not appear to be the case -- at least at the moment.

On Thursday morning, NHL.com's Dave McCarthy confirmed that Matthews was absent from practice yet again, which leaves his status for Friday's meeting with the Red Wings in serious doubt.

Matthews has reportedly been dealing with a "lingering" upper-body issue, but the Leafs have not specified what the nature of the injury is. Thus far, the NHL Insiders have shared very little information on what might be ailing the Leafs' captain, which is a sign that the Leafs are being very tight-lipped about this one.

Tomorrow's morning skate should give us a better idea of what to expect when it comes to Matthews' timeline for recovery. If he skates, even if he doesn't play against the Wings, there's still a chance he can return Saturday against the Canadiens. Fail that, his next opportunity to suit up will come Tuesday against Ottawa.