Auston Matthews has been replaced by Brady Tkachuk for the upcoming NHL All-Star Game, but still plans to travel to St. Louis to participate in the league’s showcase weekend.
Matthews is nursing a nagging wrist injury and was advised not to participate in the on-ice activities at Enterprise Center.
Unlike most players who bow out of the event due to injury, Matthews still plans to attend. He’s enjoyed his prior all-star experiences and has been named to the Atlantic Division team in each of his four NHL seasons.
The 22-year-old centre is in the midst of a career year for the Toronto Maple Leafs with 34 goals and 57 points at the break, and has appeared in all 49 of the team’s games so far.
The wrist injury isn’t expected to keep him sidelined when Toronto resumes play next week in Nashville.
Matthews returned home to Scottsdale, Ariz., for the bye week and spent time skating and working out.
It was after further consultation with team trainers and doctors where it was decided that he would be best to take a couple extra days to let his injury heal rather than participate in the skills competition and all-star game.
