The Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews likely can't catch up to the NHL's top goal-scorers this year, but his improvements elsewhere on the ice are more important, says Adam Proteau.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have survived quite nicely without captain Auston Matthews, who missed nine games with an upper-body injury.

Auston Matthews scored his first goal since returning from injury as the Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 4-1 on Monday night.

Auston Matthews picked up an assist in his return to the lineup and Joseph Woll stopped 38 shots as the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 5-3

Auston Matthews, back on ice after a nine-game absence with an upper-body injury, picked up an assist in a 5-3 victory over the Lightning.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews returned to the lineup Saturday night after missing nine games due to an upper-body injury. Matthews was activated off injured reserve prior to the Maple Leafs game against the Tampa Bay Lightning and picked up an assist on Matthew Knies’ first-period goal.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will welcome Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies back to the lineup when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena on Saturday. Heading into the game, Toronto was already at the maximum 23-player active roster limit,

O captain, my captain, our fearful trip is done. Maple Leafs’ captain Auston Matthews returned to the lineup after a nine-game absence due to a secretive upper-body injury, and he didn’t miss a beat.