Although he was draped in a red non-contact jersey, Auston Matthews rejoined the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday for his first full practice since injuring his left shoulder Oct. 27, and says the recovery is coming along nicely.
"Kind of just taking it day by day," Matthews said, per Dave McCarthy of NHL.com. "It feels a lot better. I think it's progressed quite well. It's still not all there but hopefully it continues to progress, and I can get out there as soon as possible."
Matthews was given a four-week recovery timeline upon being diagnosed with the injury, which would keep him out until Nov. 24 if the prognosis is to be taken verbatim. He's missed nine games so far, and the Maple Leafs play four times in the coming week.
"You'll just know (when you're ready), I guess," Matthews said. "Taking contact, feeling back in game shape, being able to do a full practice, all that kind of stuff. A lot of protocol you have to go through. In all honesty, it doesn't really matter. I'm going to come back when I feel ready. It's great to see us getting a lot of wins though."
Prior to being sidelined, Matthews had recorded 10 goals and six assists in 11 games. Toronto's still managed a 6-3 record in his absence, and the club currently sits one point outside first place in the Atlantic Division.
