Following the shocker of a trade that saw pending unrestricted free agent Mikko Rantanen get traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, could the same happen to Mitch Marner? Captain Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs hit the ice on Wednesday morning for practice to get set to host the Minnesota Wild later that evening at Scotiabank Arena. With Minnesota coming to Toronto, Wild general manager Bill Guerin also traveled with the club – who also happens to be the GM for Team USA at the upcoming 4-Nations Faceoff. Matthews was one of the first six selections for Guerin and the United States, thought to be a no-brainer for the team in the best-on-best tournament. However, the superstar forward has had an injury-riddled season, appearing in only 35 of the Maple Leafs’ 50 games due to a lingering upper-body ailment, leaving his availability for the tournament up in the air. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun shared on X [https://x.com/pierrevlebrun/status/1884641111815094516?s=46&t=nKqEzwNyhBsMVJKyOVpCPQ] on Wednesday that the two parties spoke at the morning skate, along with Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving, regarding the 27-year-old’s status for the tournament. “Team USA GM Bill Guerin met with Auston Matthews here this morning at Wild-Leafs morning skates. Guerin also met with Leafs GM Brad Treliving,” wrote LeBrun. “Barring a setback, it’s a full go for 34 to play in 4 Nations," he added. It’s important to note that his availability is in the balance of his staying healthy, with no setbacks. If he can go, Matthews is expected to be a key piece of the forward group when the United States kicks off their tournament on February 13 against Finland. Matthews has looked closer to himself since returning to game action on January 4 against the Boston Bruins – his second full comeback of the season. In the 11 games back in the lineup, Matthews has recorded at least a point in nine of those appearances – registering nine goals and six assists for a 15-point total. Over this stretch, the former No. 1 overall pick had a five-game goal streak, scoring six goals in that span, that was snapped on Saturday night in Ottawa. His status is one to keep an eye on. But regardless, the forward, Treliving, and the Maple Leafs deem him ready to go as of January 29. In 35 games, Matthews has 20 goals, 18 assists, and 38 points. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNjM5NDEwNTc4NDM0MDI0/googlenews.svg] Stay updated with the most interesting Maple Leafs stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwytvfCA?ceid=CA:en&oc=3] to never miss a story.
