The Toronto Maple Leafs are hoping to get an Auston Matthews injury update that can placate the concern within the organization.
As revealed, Matthews sustained an MCL tear on Thursday night during their 6-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The league proceeded to suspend Ducks’ captain Radko Gudas for five games due to the hit.
But the suspension does nothing to alleviate the potential consequences stemming from the Matthews injury. Nevertheless, insider Elliotte Friedman stated on the March 14 edition of Saturday Headlines that the Leafs are hopeful their captain won’t need surgery.
If he doesn’t, Matthews could be ready for training camp next fall. But if he does, the recovery time could linger into next season.
That’s why the Maple Leafs are holding their breath regarding the potential outcome of the Matthews injury update. As Friedman noted, the club won’t know for about another week whether surgery will be necessary.
It’s a tough situation for the Leafs to be in at this point. The tough season this year has been bad enough. On top of everything, next season could already be compromised with the loss of the club’s best player.
It remains unclear what the club might do in the offseason to offset the potential long-term loss of Matthews.
Matthews Injury Update Will Determine Path Forward
Let’s assume for a minute that the Maple Leafs get the Matthews injury update they want. Avoiding surgery could mean a summer of rehab and work trying to get the knee back into playing shape for the fall.
In that event, the Maple Leafs may not get a sense of urgency to find a replacement for Matthews. That situation could lead to a calm offseason filled with moves aimed at building a sustainable roster.
But if the Matthews injury update delivered a worst-case scenario, the Leafs may find it necessary to make a major move. While a trade for someone like Robert Thomas may not be in the cards, the Leafs could attempt to make a splash in the free-agent market, even if it’s devoid of big names.
Leafs Must Avoid Panicking This Offseason
If the worst-case scenario emerged from a Matthews injury update, the organization might panic. That panic could open the door to rash decisions. And it’s clear that rash decisions never work out very well.
For instance, GM Brad Treliving could call up St. Louis Blues GM Doug Armstrong and give him whatever he wants for Robert Thomas. Sure, that would be a bold move, but it wouldn’t be the most conducive to long-term success in Toronto.
Even if Matthews misses time next season, the focus should be on building a sustainable, long-term roster. Whether or not a future Matthews injury update provides good news, the Leafs must avoid panicking in the offseason.
Sure, there may be significant pressure from fans and the media. But the organization has charted a course for the future. That course must have a clear vision. That vision must encompass a clear intention to build a solid team to compete well beyond next season.
Matthews Injury Update: Leafs Hoping to Avoid Nightmare Scenario