Hidden injury? Auston Matthews seen with heavy shoulder tape in New Jersey

As the Maple Leafs were tied 1-1 with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday, it was a game that was already surrounded in a bit of drama as Toronto held out three players ahead of the trade deadline to ensure no injuries or accidents ruin their value.

But during the first intermission the drama continued, as captain Auston Matthews was seen sporting a heavy spread of kinesiology tape (known as K-Tape) on his right shoulder:

Matthews hasn't been as effective since returning from the Olympics, and a potential shoulder injury could be the cause for his lack of shooting and scoring that was so prominent a mere month ago.

The Maple Leafs captain has 51 points in 55 games (26 goals, 25 assists) yet another injury would jeopardize his chance to his ten straight 30-goal seasons, and be the cherry on top of a very tough season for the team overall.

He's dealt with injury problems over the last two seasons, with last year causing a great deal of stress for the Maple Leafs. This year he's been a bit healthier, but did spend time on the IR, and has missed a total of seven games this year. With the season all but over; perhaps resting him would be the smartest option.

And with that, the Maple Leafs become sellers without a doubt. If the captain is out, then the playoff push needs to be put on hold and it's time to start building around Matthews while there's still time left on his deal.

That means they need to maximize their value for guys like Bobby McMann and Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and given the returns for some of the deals seen on Wednesday, if Brad Treliving doesn't get something similar or better for his pieces then he very well might have managed his last deadline for the Maple Leafs.

These are the potential returns that Toronto can get for their pieces, and if they wanted to give Matthews what he needs -- it's at least a good starting point:

- Bobby McMann (1st-round potential; likely multiple 2nd-round picks)
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson (1st-round pick, prospect)
- Nicolas Roy (1st-round pick, prospect)
- Scott Laughton (multiple 2nd and 3rd-round picks)

Not to mention adding Chris Tanev's $4.5-million in cap space and suddenly the team has enough to bring in a star both on the trade market and in free agency. While it won't happen now, the draft is only a few months away and a restocked cupboard could be the x-factor in Toronto's plans for the future.

Matthews' injury is frustrating no doubt, but it also could be a sign that the Maple Leafs are destined to be sellers and their captain falling was the signal to go scorched earth on a fire sale.

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