Leafs’ Auston Matthews not quite ready to hit the ice
Despite first full practice since shoulder injury, more rest is required
Auston Matthews participated in his first full practice with the Maple Leafs on Monday, but won’t be ready to play on Wednesday against the Dallas Stars.
Matthews wore a red shirt, indicative of non-contact participation.
“He’ll be in better shape when he comes back than when he left,” head coach Mike Babcock said of Matthews.
“It will still take him a bit for timing. I would expect he’s still going to be pushing, not for Dallas game, but after that some time. As he’s feeling better, he’ll get involved more.”
The Leafs play in Buffalo on Thursday and are home to Montreal on Saturday.
Matthews hurt his shoulder in a game Feb. 22 against the New York Islanders.
It’s his third injury of the season, costing him 16 games and counting. He has taken part in partial practices, but his teammates were glad to see him out there for the full workout.
“Yes, very happy,” said defenceman Morgan Rielly.
“You obviously want him back sooner not later,” said forward Mitch Marner. “It’s always good having a guy that’s injured out for a full practice, having him out there and joking around with him on the ice. He’s a big part of this team.”
Defenceman Nikita Zaitsev missed practice with a suspected flu. He also missed Saturday’s game.