“Maple Leafs’ Superstar Auston Matthews Out Sick – Will His Absence Crush Their Playoff Dreams? 🏒😷 #NHL #MapleLeafs #AustonMatthews”
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews will be absent from tonight’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins due to illness. The 26-year-old, currently leading the league with 23 goals in 27 games, is on track for a remarkable 70-goal season, as per EliteProspects. In August, the Maple Leafs secured Matthews with a four-year contract extension, boasting…
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews will be absent from tonight’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins due to illness. The 26-year-old, currently leading the league with 23 goals in 27 games, is on track for a remarkable 70-goal season, as per EliteProspects.
In August, the Maple Leafs secured Matthews with a four-year contract extension, boasting a $13.25 million cap hit. This extension comes in the final year of his existing five-year contract, featuring an $11,640,250 cap hit.
Last season, Matthews notched 40 goals, 45 assists, and 85 points in 74 games, with his 40 goals being his lowest in a 70-game season since his rookie year. In the playoffs, he contributed five goals and six assists in 11 games, guiding the Maple Leafs to their first series victory since 2004, eventually falling to the Florida Panthers in the second round.
Hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona, Matthews, the first overall pick in the 2016 NHL draft, made a memorable NHL debut with four goals. Over seven seasons, he consistently hit the 30-goal mark, achieved 40 goals five times, and reached 60 goals in the exceptional 2021-22 season, earning him the Hart Trophy.
Adding to the Maple Leafs’ challenges, defenseman T.J. Brodie will also miss the game due to the flu. Brodie, with six assists in 27 games this season, leaves a void on the blue line.
Despite these setbacks, the Maple Leafs hold the second spot in the Atlantic Division, boasting a 15-6-6 record and accumulating 36 points in 27 games.
