The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that forward Auston Matthews will miss Tuesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils. The team listed him as day-to-day with a lower-body injury.
Matthews suffered the injury Sunday when he blocked a shot during the game against the Detroit Red Wings.
The former Hart Trophy winner has struggled offensively this season. He’s recorded 15 goals and 12 assists in 33 appearances.
Matthews managed just one goal in his last five games before getting hurt against Detroit.
This slow start follows a disappointing 2023-24 campaign where Matthews scored a career-low 33 goals. The 27-year-old has typically hit the 40-goal mark throughout most of his NHL career.
The Leafs have dealt with offensive struggles from several key players this season, including Matthews.
Despite these issues, Toronto ranks eighth in the NHL with 3.26 goals per game. The team’s depth scoring has helped offset the production dip from their top players.
However, the Leafs sit in last place in the Atlantic Division entering Tuesday’s matchup. They have 40 points, trailing the first-place Red Wings by nine points.
Matthews’ absence creates another challenge for a Toronto team trying to climb the divisional standings. The Leafs need consistent production from their star players to make up ground in the competitive Atlantic Division.
