Matthews practices with Maple Leafs for first time since wrist surgery

TORONTO -- Auston Matthews practiced with the main group at Toronto Maple Leafs training camp Tuesday for the first time since the center had wrist surgery Aug 13.

"He looked good to me out there in terms of how he was moving and I know he was excited to be back on the ice with some of his teammates," coach Sheldon Keefe said. "It's another step in the process, I don't know where it's going to lead, but I think he's going to stay on a similar type of plan for the remainder of this week."
Matthews took part in all drills, including puck-handling and taking shots, but departed after about 30 minutes of the hourlong session and did not address the media following practice.

"He's basically just doing the non-contact pieces at this point, the stuff that involves skating, shooting and passing, he's capable of that right now," Keefe said. "In terms of game play, face-offs for a center are significant, so that's why he needs a little bit more time."
Center John Tavares, who skated in the same session as Matthews, was glad to see him back with the main group.
"Obviously we know how important he is to the team and just his presence on and off the ice," the Toronto captain said. "It's great to see progress being made and hopefully he's back with us here full time soon."
Keefe said Friday after Matthews handled the puck for the first time since the surgery that the 24-year-old remains on track to play in the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens on Oct. 13.
"We are very confident it is going to be before the opening of the regular season and of course if we can get him into some exhibition games, that would be even better," Keefe said at the time.
Matthews played most of last season with the wrist injury but led the NHL with 41 goals in 52 games.
"Obviously sky is the limit for him," Tavares said. "I know he just wants to continue to improve and not rest on what has made him successful. What's really impressive battling the injury last year was his ability to adapt his game. He has such a unique shot and release, and I know it's talked about so much, but his ability to adjust when that's not available to him, whether if it's because something is bothering him, or the opponent is taking his time and space away. His ability to find ways to produce in different ways is why he's become so consistent and so dangerous."
Forward Jason Spezza said he's excited to see what Matthews can accomplish this season uninhibited by the wrist injury.
"He's a guy that can be the best player in the game," Spezza said. "He's dominant on both sides of the puck. He does a lot of great things even when he doesn't score goals, and I think that's something that gets lost a little bit, just how well he tracks pucks, how hard he is to play against. I thought last year he went to another level with his competitiveness and wanting to be the guy every night with the tough matchups. I think he's going to go to another level where he gets even more confident with that."