Auston Matthews' Health Status Confirmed With Latest Report by Insider Darren Dreger

It's been over two weeks since Auston Matthews has been out with an upper-body injury and while it's a terrible turn of events for the team, they've been incredible in his absence.

Going 5-1-0 with Matthews being out, the Maple Leafs have had several key names pick up the slack including Mitch Marner, and the emergence of Bobby McMann, who has looked like the stud he was projected to be.

But fans and Matthews' teammates do want him back on the ice sooner rather than later, but they may need to wait a bit longer.

TSN's Darren Dreger gave an update on the status of Matthews, and it looks like everyone is going to have to have just a bit more patience.

It's due to the Maple Leafs' odd schedule that Matthews gets the extra chance to rest. They don't play until Wednesday, and with him getting another week of rest, should be good against Utah.

It's positive though that Matthews is on the mend and isn't facing a setback, as Craig Berube tried to alleviate any concerns people may have:

This was echoed by The Hockey News' David Alter on X.

With Matthews out again, it will be up to Mitch Marner and company to take over once more. Marner has been electric, and playing for that contract come July.

He's recorded a multi-point game in each of the Maple Leafs' five wins without their captain as well.

The dynamic winger leads the team with 22 points and has recently shown that with Matthews out, he's just as deadly shooting as he is passing.

Marner is playing like he's gunning for the league's biggest contract, and is giving the Maple Leafs a lot to discuss as it pertains to retaining Marner or not. It's a blessing and a curse for the Maple Leafs.

Matthews is having a slower start than usual, with only five goals so far this year before the injury. It's unknown if something was bothering Matthews previously which has led to his weaker production.

There's also the fact that Craig Berube is trying to utilize his captain more defensively and while it's been successful, it's led to less scoring chances.

Toronto looks toward Vegas on Wednesday as they take on the Golden Knights from Scotiabank Arena, as the Maple Leafs look to continue their winning ways without #34.