Auston Matthews absent from practice, Leafs update injury to Nylander

The Maple Leafs are back in Toronto tonight for game 3 against the Bruins, hoping to get William Nylander back in the lineup. It looks like more bad news for Nylander, and now injury concerns are also around Auston Matthews.

William Nylander took part as a full participant in practice, but Auston Matthews was not on the ice at all. It's been clarified that Matthews is «taking the option», but anytime a superstar like Matthews is out from practice - it's worrisome.





Throughout the last few years, Matthews has been dealing with a few nagging injuries that have often kept him from playing a full 82 game season. Leafs fans have known of injuries to his back and wrists, and have seen his offensive production take a dip when he isn't 100% healthy. Matthews can prove he's in the elite of the elite by pushing through this apparent injury and still being effective for the rest of this series, but Leafs fans are starting to panic already.




With the explanation that Matthews is just taking rest, it seems likely that he will be in the lineup tonight and play through whatever is bothering him.

On the other hand, Nylander's participation in practice doesn't guarantee that he will play tonight, but it is at least an encouraging sign. At the end of practice Nylander stayed out with the scratches, which would seem to confirm he isn't playing tonight - but then Sheldon Keefe gave some fans hope, saying ‘there's a chance' Nylander plays tonight.



The Leafs will take on the Bruins tonight for a pivotal game 3 in Toronto. For their sake, Toronto fans will be hoping they can have two of their best players in the lineup.