Auston Matthews said he anticipates he will make his season debut Monday night when the Toronto Maple Leafs host the New York Rangers.
Matthews, who missed the first three games of the year while recovering from wrist surgery, spoke to the media Sunday and head coach Sheldon Keefe later said he expects the reigning Rocket Richard Trophy winner will be back in the lineup.
The 24-year-old Matthews led the league with 41 goals in 52 games last season.
Toronto is off to a 2-1-0 start to the 2021-22 campaign.