Auston Matthews officially ruled out vs. Jets, Craig Berube does not disclose game-time decisions

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Arun Srinivasan | Last updated Dec 23, 2024 12:15 PM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Auston Matthews will not play in Monday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets.

Matthews will miss his second consecutive game after re-aggravating an upper-body injury during Friday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, after taking a cross-check from Buffalo’s Dennis Gilbert during the third period.

“He will not play tonight, that’s the update,” Berube initially revealed. “He’s going to rest over the break, we hope he can come back in a lot better shape. He gets relief at times, but it’s not good enough.”

Berube did not disclose whether Matthews will play against the Detroit Red Wings on December 27, noting that he needs to see how Matthews is feeling before making the call.

Craig Berube confirms Auston Matthews won’t play vs. Jets: “He gets relief at times, but it’s not good enough.” Berube says Matthews will get some rest over the holiday break.

— Arun Srinivasan (@Arunthings) December 23, 2024

Matthews has recorded 11 goals and 23 points in 24 games this season. He missed nine games during November with an upper-body injury and travelled to Germany to see a specialist for the injury, but no further details about the nature of his injury have been disclosed by the player or team.

Joseph Woll will start for the Maple Leafs. Woll has posted a 9-5-0 record with a .912 save percentage and 2.50 goals against average in 14 appearances this season. Woll is operating as Toronto’s unquestioned No. 1 goalie, while Dennis Hildeby serves as his backup during Anthony Stolarz’s injury related absence.

“I gave you a present. One gift is enough,” Berube said with a laugh, upon disclosing that Woll will start Monday.

Berube also stated there are game-time decisions, but refused to disclose what lineup decisions would be made prior to the contest. These decisions will become evident during the warm-up.

This is the Maple Leafs’ final game before the holiday break, where Matthews and the team will surely benefit from the four-day hiatus.

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This article first appeared on TheLeafsnation and was syndicated with permission.

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