Doctor says it's possible that Auston Matthews could miss 6-12 months

The team's usual reticence on player health issues has reached new heights, leaving fans and commentators speculating about the potential impact on their playoff aspirations.

Head Coach Sheldon Keefe has expressed a cautious optimism, noting his hopefulness about Matthews' return. However, despite these hopeful remarks, Matthews was notably absent from both Games 5 and 6, with the decision on his participation for tonight's critical Game 7 still pending. This ongoing uncertainty raises questions about the nature of his injury and his potential effectiveness even if he were to return.

Also read: Doctor provides his assessment of Auston Matthews' injury.

The speculation intensified recently when Dr. Jesse Morse, a specialist in regenerative medicine for sports-related injuries, hinted at a possible MCL issue for Matthews. Dr. Morse's expertise in non-surgical treatment sheds light on the challenges such an injury could pose to a high-caliber athlete. He suggests that even with a brace, the twisting and pivoting required in hockey could be severely limiting if Matthews' MCL or meniscus is compromised, leading to significant pain and reduced mobility. Could Matthews play through such an injury?

Further complicating the scenario, Dr. Morse responded to inquiries about whether Matthews could be facing an ACL tear, a more daunting prognosis that could sideline him for six to twelve months if surgery is required. Such a recovery timeline draws parallels to NHL player Tom Wilson's ordeal in the 2022 Playoffs, where an ACL tear not only ended his season prematurely but also significantly affected his play the following year.

Despite these grim possibilities, there is still hope among the Leafs' fandom. Matthews' brief appearances in Game 4 after the injury occurred suggest that his condition might not be as severe as feared. If he manages to return to the lineup before the playoffs conclude, it might indicate that the injuries are not as critical as an MCL or ACL tear.

The full extent of Matthews' injury is likely to remain under wraps until the Leafs conclude their playoff run. Until then, fans and teammates alike hold their breath, hoping for not only his return but also for a scenario where his long-term health is not at risk.