Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube provides important update on the status of Auston Matthews

Just as the Leafs appeared to be getting healthier by the day, the injury bug has come back to bite them over the last few days, as both Chris Tanev and Dakota Joshua were placed on injured reserve, while Auston Matthews and William Nylander also missed last night's game against New Jersey.

Nylander has missed the last two games due to a lower-body injury and was ruled out well ahead of Tuesday's contest, but Matthews was a game-time decision with a lower-body issue, before being ruled out minutes before the Leafs took to the ice for pre-game warmups.

After the Leafs defeated the Devils by a score of 4-0, head coach Craig Berube spoke to the media and provided some clarity on Matthews' status, stating that he was actually "fairly close" to playing last night.

Berube also added that he's hoping that whatever is ailing Matthews can subside by the morning so they can get a better idea of where the captain stands in regards to suiting up on Thursday night when the Leafs host the Winnipeg Jets.

It hasn't been the most fluid campaign for the former 3-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner, as he's scored 15 goals and 27 points through 33 games. He's on pace for his first season under a point-per-game since his rookie campaign, and would be coming close to his lowest-goal total, which he tallied last year.

He had recorded a goal and 4 points in his last 2 games prior to the injury, which is a great sign that he's turning the corner offensively. However his best ability will be his availability this season, and returning to the lineup will be of the utmost importance if the Leafs want to make in-roads in the standings.

Matthews has missed 7 games thus far into the season, but it does sound like he's close to making his return, and at worst could be labelled as a game-time decision again ahead of Thursday's contest.