Auston Matthews hit with staunch warning by ex-Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer

PUBLICATION

Alexander Cole
December 26, 2024 (8:52)

SHARE THIS STORY

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is still dealing with his upper-body injury, and a former enforcer is telling the superstar that he needs to slow down.

Auston Matthews has been having some obvious struggles this season and Maple Leafs fans are beginning to get very worried about what his status will be come playoff time.

Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs have to figure it out

According to reports, the captain wants to play but the Maple Leafs are telling him to sit out a few games so that he can get back to 100 percent.

This has subsequently led to speculation about the 4 Nations Face-Off and whether or not Matthews will be allowed to participate.

There are a ton of pundits out there with strong opinions on this, including former Maple Leafs enforcer Jay Rosehill, who is issuing a warning to the team's superstar captain.

"I don't know what it is, but it kinda seems like it's a torso-y trunk, like a back or something, I'm not sure. He doesn't seem to be moving well. That cross-check kind of on the side seemed to cripple him. I don't really want him playing until he's healthy... I don't want him looking like that in the playoffs or it's bye-bye time. It's too important. This season is too big... this is a big time in the Leafs' organization. Why are you playing him in December when he can't even friggin' move and why is he going to the Four Nations Cup - the nobody cares cup? In a lot of ways - I don't like it at all. I'm more concerned about this team and the post-season than to see this guy dragging through this injury for no reason."

At this point, there are a lot of reasons to be skeptical of Matthews' health and his well-being going forward.

For this reason, the Maple Leafs must listen to the pundits and sit him down for the foreseeable future.

Rosehill is correct, the 4 Nations Face-Off is an unproven product, and Auston Matthews does not need to participate.

While the NHL would probably love for him to be there, it is best that he gets himself right in time for the playoffs.

Only time will tell what happens next, although Leafs fans will be keeping a close eye on all of this.

POLL
DECEMBRE 26 \| 133 ANSWERS Auston Matthews hit with staunch warning by ex-Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer Do you believe that Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews should be sitting out moving forward?
YES	117	88 %
NO	16	12 %
List of polls