"The Maple Leafs and Auston Matthews are hopeful he won't need surgery. Friedman reported the Maple Leafs, and Matthews wouldn't know for a week or two, but they were hopeful that surgery on his Grade 3 MCL tear wouldn't be necessary. The insider also added that even if Matthew did need surgery, there was no concern that his recovery would last into next season."
"The controversial collision carried extra context, marking the second time in roughly a month that the burly defender has taken down a marquee player after a hit on Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins, knocked the Canadian superstar out of the 2026 Winter Olympics in February."
"Friedman also mentioned the injury to Matthews allows him to start the clock on how he feels about things, the team's direction and his future. Friedman pointed out that a lot has happened in Toronto since Matthews and the team last touched base at the beginning of February."
Auston Matthews' injury from a questionable hit by Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas has become the NHL's dominant storyline following the trade deadline. The collision marked Gudas' second controversial hit on a marquee player within a month, following his hit on Sidney Crosby that sidelined the Pittsburgh Penguins captain from the 2026 Winter Olympics. Insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Matthews sustained a Grade 3 MCL tear, with the Maple Leafs hopeful surgery won't be required. Recovery is expected over the summer with no concern about extending into next season. The injury also provides Matthews time to reflect on the team's direction and his future with Toronto.
Read at Editor In Leaf
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