Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Maple Leafs Announce Auston Matthews Update After Devils Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Dec 31, 2025 6:45 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs were without several key players Tuesday night, including captain Auston Matthews, who remained sidelined as the team shut out the New Jersey Devils 4–0 at Scotiabank Arena.

Matthews, defenseman Chris Tanev, and forward Dakota Joshua all missed the game, joining William Nylander on the injury list.

Matthews left Sunday’s overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings after blocking a shot in the second period. He returned to finish the game but did not participate in Tuesday morning’s skate and was ruled out hours before puck drop.

Toronto recalled Jacob Quillan and Matt Benning from the Marlies to fill out the roster given the multiple absences, but despite missing all those players, the Maple Leafs improved to 3–0–1 over their last four games of the 2025 calendar year.

️ | Craig Berube | Post Game vs. New Jersey Devils | Dec 30 pic.twitter.com/SaoZyxc1s3
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) December 31, 2025

After the win over the Devils, head coach Craig Berube provided more clarity on Matthews’ condition and shared a promising update on his short-term outlook.

“He was close [to playing on Tuesday], but we will see how he is tomorrow,” Berube said. “Hopefully, everything subsides a little bit more, and we will see if he can get on the ice tomorrow. That’d be good.”

The Maple Leafs designated Matthews as day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Matthews has 27 points through 33 games but has dealt with inconsistency and produced at a slower pace compared to previous years.

Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) celebrates with the bench.Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Tanev, according to Berube, is dealing with a new lower-body issue unrelated to his previous long-term injury. Dakota Joshua, who suffered a kidney injury Sunday, stayed in Detroit for evaluation.

Nylander, meanwhile, is considered day-to-day and should return to the lineup soon, with Toronto also expecting Matthews to be available again shortly, probably as soon as for Wednesday's practice.

The Maple Leafs (18–15–6) will face the Winnipeg Jets next on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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