Sad News:Maple Leafs put superstar Auston Matthews on injured reserve, call up Connor Dewar…
TORONTO — Superstar Auston Matthews has been placed on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ injured reserve.
The move is retroactive to Nov. 3 when the Leafs captain suffered an upper-body injury in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild.
Forward Connor Dewar was recalled from a long-term injured reserve conditioning loan with the Toronto Marlies, the minor-league affiliate of the Maple Leafs.
Matthews has five goals and six assists in 13 games for Toronto (7-5-2) this season.
He had 69 goals and 38 assists last season, earning the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s leading goal scorer.
Dewar had a goal and four assists in 17 games for the Maple Leafs last season.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 8, 2024.
Maple Leafs Place Auston Matthews on Injured Reserve, Call Up Connor Dewar
Toronto, ON — In a blow to their offense, the Toronto Maple Leafs have placed star center Auston Matthews on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained during Tuesday’s game. Matthews, who has been a vital component of the Leafs’ lineup with his scoring prowess and leadership on the ice, is now expected to miss at least the next week while he recovers. This development leaves a significant gap in Toronto’s offense as they continue their regular season campaign.
Matthews, a two-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner and one of the league’s most elite goal-scorers, was in fine form to start the season. He leads the team in goals and points, playing a crucial role in establishing the Leafs as one of the top offensive teams in the league. Known for his quick release and ability to score in high-pressure situations, Matthews’ absence will force the team to look for scoring from other lines, an area where depth has been both a blessing and a curse for Toronto.
With Matthews out, head coach Sheldon Keefe will likely turn to second-line center John Tavares and the emerging William Nylander to step up offensively. Nylander has been impressive this season, showcasing skill and consistency that the Leafs will now lean on even more heavily.
In response to Matthews’ placement on injured reserve, the Maple Leafs have called up forward Connor Dewar from the Toronto Marlies. Dewar, a young and promising player, has been a standout in the AHL with his speed and tenacity, traits that the Leafs hope will help fill the void left by Matthews’ absence. The 24-year-old Dewar has posted solid numbers with the Marlies this season, showing improvement in his two-way play and gaining the attention of the Leafs’ management and coaching staff.
“Connor’s energy and drive will bring a fresh spark to our lineup,” said Keefe. “He’s worked hard with the Marlies, and we’re confident he can contribute both defensively and offensively when given the chance.”
Dewar’s call-up highlights the organization’s focus on player development, as Toronto has been working to bolster its lineup with homegrown talent. With Matthews’ recovery timeline still uncertain, Dewar will have an opportunity to prove himself in the NHL and potentially solidify a role with the Leafs if he performs well.
The Leafs are entering a critical stretch in their schedule, with back-to-back games against division rivals over the next week. The team’s defensive core, led by Morgan Rielly and TJ Brodie, will also be expected to elevate their game, potentially limiting opponents’ scoring chances to help mitigate Matthews’ absence.
While the Leafs will miss their star forward, the organization remains hopeful that Matthews will make a speedy recovery and return to the lineup soon. For now, all eyes are on Dewar as he steps into the spotlight with a chance to leave his mark on the team.
