Finally, Toronto Maple Leafs fans can breathe a sigh of relief.
On Saturday morning, TSN’s Mark Masters shared a video of the 20-year-old practicing without a red jersey on. Masters noted it is the first time Matthews has been seen without the injury sweater since returning to the ice.
Matthews has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since the Leafs’ 4-3 shootout win on February 22. Toronto has managed to split its game with four wins and losses in his absence, but have scored four or more goals just twice over that stretch.
TSN’s Kirsten Shilton did note that Matthews did not take rushes in practice, and expressed her belief that he’ll need a full session before he gets back into regular season action. Head coach Mike Babcock later confirmed that Matthews is getting close but will not play in tonight’s contest against the Montreal Canadiens.
Matthews has faced a series of ailments this season, including a concussion and previous shoulder injury. Still, he’s managed to put together an all-star campaign with 28 goals and 22 assists in just 53 games. Hopefully fans will see #34 back out on the ice in the near future.
(H/T Mark Masters)
