Matthews reveals how close he is to making a return.

Matthews provides an update on his injury.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 5 years ago
Matthews reveals how close he is to making a return.
Mike Wulf/CSM/Zuma

The Toronto Maple Leafs were on the receiving end of some pretty good news on Sunday morning when star forward Auston Matthews once again returned to the ice for a Maple Leafs practice. This time however Matthews was a full participant in practice after only partaking in certain drills earlier during the week and that was the first sign that Matthews was getting close to making his eagerly anticipated return.

That being said though it may be necessary to temper expectations as comments from the Leafs star following that very same practice appear to indicate that even he does not feel he is ready to make a return to action. Just 6 days away from the 4 week recovery period that had been set before him after the injury was announced Matthews admitted that his shoulder has not fully recovered when asked about the state of that shoulder by reporters.

"I think it’s progressed quite well," said Matthews as per Jonas Siegel. "It’s still not all there. But hopefully it continues to progress and I can get back out there as soon as possible."

Now I many be reading too much into his words but that to me does not sound like a player who is on the verge of making his return to action, and some of his other responses to reporters also didn't sound all that positive. When asked about his shot Matthews again made it sound like he was still a ways off from fully recovery several aspects of his game.

"Not all there. I think it’s just the mechanics of it, the strength in your arm just still coming back, not fully there, accuracy is a little off. But I think that stuff will all come back pretty soon."

Although Matthews could still be on pace to recover within the four week time frame he was expected to miss, this Saturday's game against the Flyers will mark 4 weeks exactly, this likely means he will miss most of Toronto's packed four game schedule this week. The Leafs will welcome the Blue Jackets to the Air Canada Center on Monday before heading out on the road to face the Carolina Hurricanes and then re-matching the Blue Jackets in their own barn.

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