Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

Oilers' Connor McDavid out, Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews in for Wednesday

As had been feared, only one team was able to provide a positive update regarding a superstar talent ahead of Wednesday's anticipated clash between the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs. 

Per Luke Fox of Sportsnet, Toronto star center Auston Matthews rejoined the team Wednesday morning after he produced a positive rapid antigen COVID-19 test Monday and, thus, was held out of Tuesday's practice. Matthews, who has 20 goals and 13 assists in 28 games this season, reportedly delivered a negative PCR test Tuesday and expects to play Wednesday after his initial so-called "false positive" result. 

"I feel great. I didn’t have any symptoms or anything. I plan on playing," he explained. "Should be fresh. Not ideal, having to take two days off skating and practicing and that kind of stuff, but it is what it is and just kind of have to adjust along the way." 

Meanwhile, the Oilers confirmed Tuesday that captain Connor McDavid and forward Derek Ryan had tested positive for the coronavirus. Those two and Edmonton defenseman Tyson Barrie have since entered the league's COVID-19 protocol and won't play against Toronto. 

McDavid leads the NHL with 53 points and 34 assists across 33 games this season. 

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