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When the Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews might return to action is revealed by insiders Ray Ferraro and Darren Dreger.
Ray Ferraro and Darren Dreger offered some speculation about when Auston Matthews might return to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup.

This is Matthews’ second prolonged absence from the Leafs since he aggravated an earlier injury that kept him out earlier in the season.

As the Leafs have demonstrated that they can win without Matthews, Ray Ferraro conjectured on the “Ray and Dregs Podcast” that the team won’t need to rush Matthews back into the lineup because they can win without him.

🚨When will Matthews return?🚨

With the Leafs in a great spot, there’s no need to rush Auston Matthews back.@rayferraro21 @DarrenDreger discuss in Headlines.#leafsforever

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— The Ray & Dregs Hockey Podcast (@rayanddregs) January 2, 2025

Ferraro’s point that Matthews’ return might be closer to the Four Nations event beginning on February 12th was reinforced by Dreger.

In his 24 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Matthews has 11 goals and 23 points. Since his injury returned, Matthews will miss his sixth straight game. If he is to return in time for the Four Nations, Toronto may have to keep Matthews out for up to a month.

As a motivator, Matthews plans to play for Team USA for the first time since 2016. However, he must be at full strength this time rather than playing at half-strength like he did on his first return.

If Matthews’ injury doesn’t heal by then, the Leafs probably won’t be able to keep him from playing at the Four Nations, as it’s clear that his objective is to don the American jersey once more—something that will by no means deter him from rejoining Toronto.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are seen by some as a team that, at least for the time being, is still a playoff contender without Auston Matthews on the roster, provided that he returns for the postseason when they most need him. This is true regardless of when Matthews returns, which appears to be in a few weeks.