A gold medal win, followed by a welcome home celebration in Miami and the players from Team U.S.A.’s men’s Olympic hockey team have barely had a chance to catch their breath following their victory over Team Canada in Italy. Even on Tuesday, the majority of the team made a trip to Washington to visit the White House, before picking things back up with their NHL clubs starting on Wednesday. That included Toronto Maple Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews – who also captained the Americans to Olympic gold.
While at first, there was some uncertainty around when these players would be rejoining their NHL teams – including Matthews – an early report on Tuesday suggested that the Maple Leafs expected Matthews to be back with the club in time to suit up on Wednesday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Tampa.
However, given the travel and celebratory activities for Matthews and his squad over the last 72-plus hours, both the player and the Maple Leafs might benefit from keeping him out of the lineup when they take on the Lightning in their first game back.
Matthews’ Injury History, Extended Season Should Be Considered
Yes, it’s a must-win divisional game for a team on the outside of the playoff picture. But assuming they can find their way back into that conversation before the season is over, the Maple Leafs are going to need Matthews’ down the stretch and into the playoffs.
With the Olympics this season, the NHL schedule was already condensed. Add to that the on-and-off injuries that’ve plagued Matthews the past couple of seasons, he would benefit with a little more rest. However, you’re going to get those around the city and within the fanbase that won’t accept the Olympic victory parade as a reason to miss more time with the Maple Leafs.
After all, the 28-year-old has already missed six games this season and with the Maple Leafs out of the Eastern Conference playoffs right now, every point counts for them. But how much does a fatigued Matthews benefit the Maple Leafs?
The team is set to play in a back-to-back against the Lightning and Florida Panthers on Wednesday and Thursday, so would it be more realistic to have him back for the second of the two games? Even then, with three straight divisional games, maybe the Maple Leafs hold him out until Saturday against the Ottawa Senators in Toronto – yet another must-win for the his NHL club.
His absence in the lineup would be noticeable, but it would also open up opportunities for other players to get some minutes. Players that are being shopped like Bobby McMann and Calle Jarnkrök could see some extra time. Or a player like Easton Cowan could rightfully get back into the Maple Leafs lineup.
Cowan, Jarnkrök Benefit From Matthews’ Rest
While Matthews could benefit from some extra rest, the Maple Leafs could also benefit from getting some players into the lineup on Wednesday that’ve had time to get back to full health, training and resting over the Olympic break.
The obvious beneficiary of Matthews absence would be McMann. Named in the rumour mill leading into the deadline, McMann could see inflated time higher in the lineup without Matthews playing. That, in turn, would help the Maple Leafs in a possible trade if they choose to move him.
On the other hand, players like Jarnkrök, Cowan and even Nicholas Robertson would also benefit from Matthews sitting out. Cowan has been in and out of the lineup all season, while Robertson’s finally been given an opportunity to play consistent minutes and he’s responded offensively.
As for Jarnkrök, he’s also battled back from an injury to get back into the lineup and could use more time to regain his in-game form. If the Maple Leafs choose to sit Matthews, Jarnkrök could be a lower quality replacement for the team’s captain for the next couple of games.
Maple Leafs Will Wait, Evaluate and Decide
Regardless of what the fanbase wants, it’s clear that the Maple Leafs want Matthews to be ready to go for Wednesday. However, head coach Craig Berube isn’t a hundred percent count him in just yet.
Related: Auston Matthews’ Legacy Grows With Gold Medal Win
“He’s riding a pretty good hight right now with winning,” said Berube on Tuesday. “He’s feeling good. We will evaluate that tomorrow and see where he is at. I’ll get a better feel when I talk to him tonight.”
Already there is controversy around his return. How will the fanbase react to the American beating their Canadian team? Why didn’t he return to the club like a handful others on the American squad instead of going to the White House? And, of course, can he bring that winning mentality and effort back to the NHL and Maple Leafs?
While all are questions that will be answered, it could take some time if the Maple Leafs keep him out. Given his travel on Tuesday, it seems like it will be a win-win-win for player, team and fans if Matthews sits out at least one or two games before getting back to the grind of chasing down a postseason berth and another win this season.
