Toronto Maple Leafs superstar center Auston Matthews took the ice for the club's optional morning skate on Saturday. But when will he return to game action? Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube says "everything went well" for Auston Matthews' during his medical trip to Germany. "He's actually improving and in a real good spot right now going forward. We're very happy with that." Matthews has been sidelined for the past seven games due to an upper-body injury. The specifics of the injury remain undisclosed, but the setback has kept the franchise cornerstone player out of action for nearly three weeks. Initially categorized as day-to-day, the absence has been longer than anticipated. Earlier in the week, general Manager Brad Treliving disclosed that Matthews traveled to Germany for a consultation with a specialist, describing it as a "check-up" to ensure he is progressing as expected. He was joined on the trip by Medical Director and Head Team Physician Dr. Noah Forman. Treliving said the team was targeting the team's trip to Florida next week for when Matthews may return. He has not skated this week but might return might lace them up soon. "I still don't know that. You know, maybe this weekend," Berube said. Matthews' injury troubles date back to the pre-season, where he also dealt with upper-body discomfort. The Leafs announced on Nov. 5 that Matthews would be out of the lineup ahead of their game against the Boston Bruins. They later placed him in injured reserve for roster management purposes. With Matthews out, the Leafs are dealing with a series of injuries and other issues at the forward position. Matthew Knies sustained an upper-body injury when his head hit the ice following a hit from Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud on Wednesday. The Leafs are also without Calle Jarnkrok (sports hernia), Max Pacioretty (lower body) and David Kampf (lower body). Max Domi missed Wednesday's 3-0 win over Vegas with a lower-body injury and Ryan Reaves still has to serve four more of his five-game suspension for his illegal check to the head of Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse. Matthews has five goals and six assists in 11 games this season. His goal output is far below the pace that saw the multiple Rocket Richard Trophy winner put up 69 goals last season.
