Auston Matthews, captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is currently in Germany for a checkup related to an undisclosed upper-body injury that has sidelined him since November 5, 2024.

Despite the injuries, the Maple Leafs have performed well, achieving a league-leading record of 5-1-0 and an .833 winning percentage over the past two weeks.

Despite his absence, coach Craig Berube noted that Matthews is not worsening and remains day-to-day with his injury.

The Maple Leafs are currently dealing with multiple injuries, missing forwards including Matthews, Max Pacioretty, and Calle Jarnkrok, while David Kampf is also sidelined.

Calle Jarnkrok recently underwent surgery for a groin and sports hernia issue, and is now listed as month-to-month.

In response to the injuries, Fraser Minten has been recalled from the minors to fill the roster gap left by Kampf.

Meanwhile, Ryan Reaves has been suspended for five games due to an illegal check that injured Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse, and he will be eligible to return on December 4, 2024.

Teammate John Tavares expressed support for Reaves, noting that the team believes the suspension was somewhat excessive.

General Manager Brad Treliving confirmed that Matthews has missed six games and will also miss the upcoming match against the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Maple Leafs are taking advantage of their limited schedule this week, with only two games, to ensure Matthews' injury is properly addressed.

Treliving emphasized that there have been no setbacks in Matthews' recovery process, indicating that everything is progressing well.

In Matthews' absence, Tavares has stepped up as the top-line center, scoring four goals and accumulating six points in the last six games.