Bad News for Auston Matthews at Practice Ahead of Matchup vs. the Detroit Red Wings

Auston Matthews re-aggravated his injury right before the Christmas break and missed the last two games, with speculation and questions as to when and if he'll be back.

Though the team was hoping for a Christmas miracle, it seems like they will be waiting a bit longer for him to return. According to David Alter on X, the Maple Leafs captain was not seen skating during Friday's morning skate ahead of their game against Detroit.

It's a tough bit of news for the team as they hoped that Matthews could make his return given enough rest and recovery although it seems like the injury is still bothering him.

While it's unknown the exact injury, former NHLer Kris Versteeg gave his insights regarding a potential "Iliac Crest" injury; a crucial part of the hip and something Matthews heavily relies on for mobility.

The injury to the Leafs captain originally happened at the beginning of November and forced him to miss nearly a month of action. The team didn't falter at the absence though, going 7-2-0 and being led by the new Core Three of Mitch Marner, William Nylander, and John Tavares.

Though he returned with open arms, Matthews still hasn't been able to revert back to his dominant form. He managed to put some points together but still looked sluggish and a step behind. Getting crosschecked against Buffalo seemed to be the straw to break the camel's back.

It'll be a test of wits and perseverance for the Maple Leafs as they take on the Detroit Red Wings on Friday; a team that is going through some big struggles and recently fired Derek Lalonde.

New head coach Todd MacLellan was introduced on Friday and will have his first game against the Leafs as the two Original Six teams clash in Detroit; the game is scheduled to start at 7pm ET.