Auston Matthews' Expected Return Delayed to Road Trip

Toronto Maple Leafs' captain Auston Matthews is currently in Germany for treatment of an upper-body injury, accompanied by team medical personnel. Despite missing six games, general manager Brad Treliving emphasized that the situation is not alarming and that surgery is not required. Matthews' absence hasn't hindered the Leafs' performance, as they have maintained a 5-1 record without him, remaining second in the Atlantic Division. The injury has been described as day-to-day, and Matthews is expected to potentially return during the Leafs' road trip starting November 27. The decision to seek treatment abroad is seen as an opportunity for Matthews to receive care from a trusted doctor, and there are no indications of a setback in his recovery. The team continues to handle the situation sensitively, respecting Matthews' privacy while managing expectations from fans and media.