Toronto Maple Leafs Stars Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies Face Intensive Summer Rehab Plans
The Scottsdale connection within the Toronto Maple Leafs is bracing for a lengthy and challenging offseason as key players Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies focus on recovery from significant injuries. This development comes at a critical juncture for the team, with both athletes playing pivotal roles in the lineup during healthier periods.
Matthews' Road to Recovery After MCL Surgery
Auston Matthews, the franchise's leading goal scorer, is embarking on a 12-week rehabilitation journey following successful surgery to repair a torn MCL. The injury occurred during a game against the Anaheim Ducks, resulting from a knee-on-knee hit by Radko Gudas. Matthews recently underwent the procedure in New York and is currently recuperating in a hotel, with plans to rejoin the team soon.
Head coach Craig Berube provided an update, stating, "I was texting with him and he's doing well. To get him back here and around the team will be big. We'll see what's going on and what's happening with his rehab." Berube emphasized Matthews' work ethic, noting, "He's a hard worker, not afraid of what he needs to do to get back to 100 percent. It's unfortunate, but he's not the first one to have to go through it."
Teammate Nick Robertson, who has experienced major shoulder surgery, offered insights into the recovery process. "It's weird, you go to sleep and once you wake up, you don't know what's going on. You're pretty numb and sore. It's a long journey, but worth it," Robertson explained. He added, "It will be good to see him around. He's our captain, our leader. When he went down, you can tell the room is a little off."
Knies' Health Update and Training Reevaluation
Matthew Knies, another key forward from Arizona, is also managing a lower-body injury that has impacted his performance throughout the season. After a sluggish period in January where he scored only one goal in 13 games, Knies has shown improvement recently, tallying nine points in nine games this month.
Knies discussed his plans, saying, "It's starting to ease up with a few days off between games. It's been pretty good and I'm going to re-evaluate it once the summer hits, what needs to be done training-wise, the dates and everything." He aims to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure full health for the upcoming NHL season, which may expand to 84 games. "I'll try to have a good plan going into camp, so that I'm fully healthy and ready to take on 82 games, or 84," Knies added.
Despite sharing Arizona roots with Matthews, Knies typically trains in Minnesota during the offseason, citing the heat in Arizona as a challenge. "It's too hot to train in Arizona. I don't know how Auston does it," he quipped.
Team Adjustments and Upcoming Challenges
With Matthews sidelined and other centers like Nicolas Roy and Scott Laughton traded, the Maple Leafs have reshuffled their lines. Knies has been paired with Max Domi at center and Easton Cowan on the right wing. However, the team faces a tough weekend ahead, grappling with defensive issues that include allowing the most shots per game in the league at 32.2.
Defenceman Morgan Rielly acknowledged the challenge, particularly against disciplined teams like the Carolina Hurricanes, who allow only 24.3 shots per game. "They're tight," Rielly said. "Their guys have had the same identity and system the past few years and they play within their structure."
Carolina coach Rod Brind'Amour praised the Leafs' faceoff prowess, which remains the best in the league even without Matthews. "That's super important," Brind'Amour noted. "You start with the puck, it just increases your odds every night."
In goalie news, Brandon Bussi will start for the Hurricanes, while Joseph Woll takes the net for the Leafs. Toronto has called up winger Michael Pezzetta, though he is unlikely to play immediately, possibly being reserved for a more physical matchup against the Ottawa Senators.
As the season winds down, the focus for Matthews and Knies shifts to intensive summer rehab, with their progress closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. Their recovery will be crucial for the Maple Leafs' prospects in the upcoming NHL campaign.
