Injury Report: Matthews suffers set back?

Toronto Maple Leafs fans were given a ray of hope concerning superstar Auston Matthews earlier this week when Kristen Shilton of TSN reported that Matthews took a full no contact practice with the team. While this wasn’t exactly earth shattering news as Matthews had practiced with the team a couple times over the past two weeks, it was Matthews’ first practice without the red no contact jersey, indicating that he may be ready for action.

Well… not so fast.

Leafs insider Mark Masters reported that Matthews was back in the red no contact jersey for practice this morning, indicating that he may have taken a step back.

Check it out: 

Auston Matthews (left shoulder) still in a red (no contact) sweater at Leafs practice 

Seems very unlikely he returns this weekend 

Last year, Matthews went through two full contact practices before returning

Shilton confirmed the report from Masters and added that Matthews is unlikely for Monday’s game against the Boston Bruins, as well.

Matthews talked on Sunday about protocols he’d still had to clear, etc before coming back, and didn’t sound overly confident when asked about being ready by Monday’s game vs. Boston. Could still happen of course, but no one is rushing.

Luckily for the Leafs, they don’t seem to be missing Matthews from their lineup. The team currently sits atop the NHL’s Atlantic Division and are 7-3-0 in their past 10 games.