Leafs won’t have Matthews to open season
TORONTO’S TOP GUN WILL MISS TEAM’S FIRST THREE GAMES
An unusually warm October day took on a sombre note once the doors opened to Toronto Maple Leafs practice on Monday.
There was superstar centre Auston Matthews, clad in a grey sweater, working on his shot before practice started at the Ford Performance Centre.
That Matthews wasn’t wearing a blue or white sweater was an indication that he would not be in the lineup for the Leafs’ 202122 season opener on Wednesday against the visiting Montreal Canadiens.
Sure enough, coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed later that Matthews, still in recovery mode after having off-season surgery on his left wrist, is not expected to play in the Leafs’ first three games.
Then there were the office hits: Winger Ilya Mikheyev suffered a broken thumb in the pre-season finale on Saturday against Ottawa, will have surgery this week and will be out a minimum of eight weeks.
Around the time Keefe was wrapping up his media availability, and having just been complimentary of forward Adam Brooks, the news came that Brooks had been claimed off waivers by the rival Canadiens.
So you can bet that as families across Canada tucked into their Thanksgiving feasts, the Leafs were thankful for the forward depth that the club has built.
With Matthews out, captain John Tavares will be the opening-night centre between Nick Ritchie and Mitch Marner; Mikheyev’s absence will provide an opportunity for Michael Amadio, who will make his Leafs debut on the fourth line with Jason Spezza and Wayne Simmonds.
The key in all of this, of course, is the status of Matthews, who still should be the favourite to win a second-consecutive Rocket Richard Trophy even with a delayed start to his season.
To those watching the
Leafs practice, Matthews doesn’t look to be bothered much. His shot remains more lethal than that of anyone else, with a quick-strike, bar-down goal on Monday serving as some evidence.
It’s the non-obvious factors that come into play.
“I just don’t personally feel like I’m at the point that I feel 100-per-cent comfortable to play,” Matthews said. “That’s really all it is. I feel good physically, I just need a little bit more time.
“I’m dying to get in and play, but it’s one of those things that I have to be patient with and be disciplined. The feel, timing, strength, I’m just trying to get all that back to where I feel like myself.
“The progress has been great. We’re taking it day by day and lots can change, but as of right now, this week’s probably out of the question, but you never know what could happen.”
The schedule doesn’t help. The Leafs are unlikely to practise on Friday after playing in a back-to-back set, which would put their next practice, after Tuesday, on Sunday. On Monday, the New York Rangers will be the opponent at Scotiabank Arena.
The Leafs and Matthews don’t want to find themselves in a similar situation to last season, when the 24-year-old played through the lingering wrist issue.
“We’re just adjusting to that reality (of not having Matthews to start), but clearly, he’s not very far away,” Keefe said. “He looks terrific out on the ice, and he shows the impact he’s going to have when he does get in the lineup. He being 100 per cent, confident, comfortable, is the most important thing for us right now.”
As for Mikheyev, Keefe — who confirmed that Jack Campbell will start in goal against Montreal on Wednesday, with Petr Mrazek going one night later in Ottawa — tried to take a positive approach.
“It’s a big loss for us, it’s very unfortunate for Ilya, who was having an excellent camp and looked poised to have a big season,” Keefe said. “But he was back in the gym (Monday) with the guys and training, and doing what he can to make sure he stays ready.
“It’s important that we continue to have him involved. I have no doubt of his work ethic and the time that he puts in the gym, and on the ice. He’ll be able to skate before too long, I would think.
“We’ll miss him, but I know he’ll work very hard.”