First update on Auston Matthews injury sparks immediate concern in Toronto

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews remains a major concern for fans after a dangerous knee-on-knee collision with Radko Gudas of the Anaheim Ducks late in Thursday’s game.

The incident occurred just after Matthews received a pass near the Ducks’ net. Despite trying to avoid contact, Matthews was sent crashing to the ice, staying down for several tense moments before being helped to the dressing room.

Early in the third period, the Leafs confirmed Matthews would not return due to a lower-body injury. Officials assessed Gudas a five-minute major and game misconduct for the play, and his suspension is pending.

The first medical update is out on Friday morning: insider Darren Dreger reports Matthews is scheduled for an MRI this afternoon to determine the extent of his injury.

The timing is especially concerning as Matthews had just broken a scoring drought since the Olympic break, netting his 27th goal of the season earlier in the game.

Fans and pundits alike are anxiously waiting to see whether the injury will sideline Matthews for a significant period and how it might impact the Maple Leafs’ push in the last stretch of the season.