A new report shares more details on Auston Matthews' injury for the Maple Leafs

Reporting from Chris Johnston and Darren Dreger of TSN gave new insight into the injury around Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, and how much longer the Leafs star forward may see himself out of the lineup.

Matthews has been out of the Leafs lineup after being injured in Toronto's game last Tuesday against the Boston Bruins.

Initially thought to have been an injury suffered after a hit from Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov, it was clarified that wasn't the case and Matthews' injury was more of a lingering issue.

With more information, Johnston and Dreger discussed the injury to Matthews, and when he may return to the Leafs lineup.

Johnston and Dreger said that Saturday could be the earliest return for Matthews against Montreal, but that Toronto could wait until Wednesday vs Columbus.

According to Chris Johnston, Matthews is dealing with a muscular issue, a lingering issue that has made it difficult for Matthews to play through.

Johnston said that the injury is one that requires rest, so Matthews has spent a bit more time than he would have with a regular injury due to the benefit that resting has on managing muscle issues long-term.

Wanting to avoid any sort of lingering issues that may flare up such as the injury that caused Matthews to miss two separate stretches of time last season, Toronto is letting Matthews be more cautious.

According to Johnston, Matthews sitting out may be the best path forward for both sides.

As mentioned by Johnston and Dreger, the Leafs could wait an additional game to let Matthews get to full health, and it may be the better option for Toronto to give him an extra day off.

Like Johnston detailed, muscular injuries respond better to rest in order to heal, making it a potentially smarter decision to let Matthews wait until Wednesday, getting him closer to 100% even if sacrifices a game.

As well, Johnston notes that because of the three day gap in games for Toronto, that it would be some additional rest for Matthews and could be even more help for the captain.

Whether Auston Matthews returns Saturday or Wednesday as his first game back for the Toronto Maple Leafs, it will likely depend on how Matthews feels by Saturday, and if he's ready, expect him to be back as soon as he possibly can.