Auston Matthews' status for tonight's game revealed in confusing fashion

PUBLICATION

Daniel Lucente
November 8, 2024 (2:50 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Craig Berube provided an update on the status of Leafs captain Auston Matthews for tonight, but his words left fans and analysts very confused.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews did not participate in the team's optional skate ahead of Friday's game against the Detroit Red Wings.

After practice, head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Matthews will be out against Detroit.

He, however, held back from speaking about his availability for Saturday's tilt with the Montreal Canadiens, only saying things were "heading in the right direction."

Whatever that may mean.

Matthews sat out Tuesday's 4-0 win over the Boston Bruins and had been thought to be in question for the weekend games.

We won't get an update until tomorrow on whether he will play against Montreal this weekend.

Hopefully, the news will be more clear by then.

The captain, who has had shoulder and wrist injuries in the past, has five goals and 11 points in 13 games this season.

He last played Sunday, recording an assist while skating more than 22 minutes in a 2-1 overtime defeat to the Minnesota Wild.

Berube said earlier this week that Matthews doesn't have a wrist concern right now.

Forward Max Domi slotted in as the top-line center on Tuesday between Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies. Anthony Stolarz gets the start in goal against Detroit.

Below is the projected lineup for tonight.

Knies - Domi - Marner
Pacioretty - Tavares - Nylander
McMann - Holmberg - Robertson
Lorentz - Kampf - Reaves

Rielly - Ekman-Larsson
McCabe - Tanev
Benoit - Timmins
Benning - Myers

Stolarz
Woll