Craig Berube Hints at Auston Matthews' Return Timeline

While the Toronto Maple Leafs are normally solid with Auston Matthews out of the lineup, however it was not to be on Saturday night against the New York Islanders. Struggling out of the gate, the team fell 6-3 and were met with the ire of their head coach.

Post-game, Berube was clearly upset with the loss and when pressed about Auston Matthews' return, he bluntly gave his opinion on his status, irked by another question about his captain:

The bench boss also felt that Matthews wouldn't be returning for the Winnipeg game on Monday afternoon, and would more than likely be coming back at the end of the week if he's healthy.

If the first time around wasn't bad enough, Toronto being once again without Matthews is a definite cause for concern. Obviously he wasn't totally healthy and it's been apparent since he came back.

Looking a step behind his teammates and not having the same lightning quick speed bursts he's akin to. Fans and analysts are speculating that Matthews was rushed back too quickly for the sake of trying to bring the team up to speed.

Toronto hasn't been the same force as they were when Matthews was out, and it's tough to see his teammates be able to get back on defense whereas their captain is a step or two behind.

Matthews only has 11 goals and 12 assists and while he missed a month of time, even when he was on the ice he looked a shell of the player who scored 69 goals last season. By his own admission, Matthews was hurt earlier in the year and played through it; a blessing and a curse for the team.

It's unfortunate for the Maple Leafs to be without their captain however given they are coming into the Christmas break. While they play on Monday, Dec. 23, their next game is not until Friday, Dec. 27 giving Matthews ample time to recover and focus on being healthy.

Craig Berube can only be hopeful as his team heads into their final game before the holiday break, not only that his team can get a win against a tough Winnipeg team, but that his captain will come back healthier than ever.