TORONTO, ON - FEBRUARY 7: Auston Matthews #34 of the Toronto Maple Leafs is injured late in the game against the Carolina Hurricanes during an NHL game at Scotiabank Arena on February 7, 2022 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Maple Leafs defeated the Hurricanes 4-3 in overtime.

Matthews exits late vs. Canes after taking knee to back of head

4 years ago

Claus Andersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews was forced to leave Monday's game against the Carolina Hurricanes late in the third period after taking a knee to the back of his head.

Matthews stayed down for a considerable amount of time before leaving the ice. He did not return for overtime.

Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe offered no postgame update on Matthews' status.

Matthews leads the NHL among qualified skaters with 0.78 goals per game this season. The 24-year-old ranks third in the league with 31 markers in 40 contests.