'It sounds like surgery will be part of the recovery' for Auston Matthews according to Friedman

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is likely headed for surgery, according to Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman.

Friedman reported in ''32 Thoughts' that Matthews is likely to undergo surgery for the injury that has ended his season, but that Matthews is expected to be ready for the start of next season.

Matthews was injured last Thursday against the Anaheim Ducks after colliding with Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas. Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear.

Undergoing surgery isn't something that has been confirmed by the time, and it's unclear if surgery has already been scheduled or if it's being planned, but the early view from the Leafs end appears to be a positive one for Matthews to be able to start next season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are keeping optimism that their captain will be ready for game one of the 2026-27 season, but the consistently zip-lipped Leafs will very likely be reluctant when it comes to actually revealing information on Matthews' status and recovery.

A Grade 3 tear is the most severe tear, a "complete rupture" of the ligament, and a recovery that takes approximately six weeks without surgery.

A surgical option could have a maximum of 2-3 months if without complications, with surgery a more common route among athletes with a full MCL tear.

Matthews will likely spend his offseason largely recovering, and may not start skating properly until, or just prior to when the Leafs resume training camp for next season.

Surgery, although not always a plan for the everyday person, is usually a necessity for pro athletes, especially a star such as Auston Matthews.

Such a severe tier can cause further complications to the knee, and during the injury process could cause additional MCL issues as well as the ACL.

Opting for a surgical procedure also commonly ensures a faster recovery time for said tear, which even though can cause a more difficult recovery, often comes at being able to return to sports quicker, which is why many top athletes opt for surgery.

Auston Matthews' offseason is out of the Leafs hands, and it brings their focus closer towards the rest of their roster and it's construction.

What may be necessary for Toronto is to plan for an offseason that is being treated like Matthews could miss additional time, not taking any chances on letting Matthews being at full health take the lead.

Toronto seemed certain of Matthews and his return to health last season as the most important factor of their offseason, but it had been clear this season that Matthews has not been his past self.

This means that Toronto needs to have a major offseason and consider the chance that when Matthews comes back, he may once again not be at his best, and need to be readily prepared.

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