NHL Update: Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews returns to lineup ahead of game against Winnipeg Jets

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will return to the lineup on Thursday, as the Leafs will lock horns against the last-place Winnipeg Jets in Toronto for a New Year’s Day clash. As per reports, Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will return to action after missing Tuesday’s win over the New Jersey Devils with a lower-body injury. This was confirmed by NHL analyst and expert Elliotte Friedman earlier today.

Earlier, the Maple Leafs were without both Matthews and William Nylander in their 4-0 win over the Devils that closed 2025. This return is crucial for the team and their members, as the Leafs' captain is returning to open 2026 on Thursday against the Winnipeg Jets.

As for their current standings, the Toronto Maple Leafs have last scored 18-15-6, four points out of the final playoff spot. Moreover, the 28-year-old was seen on Wednesday as they centred the top line between wingers Matthew Knies and Max Domi during Thursday’s morning skate.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will be seen playing against the Jets following his injury recovery

It’s indeed a new year for the Toronto Maple Leafs as their captain, Auston Matthews, will be seen playing against the Winnipeg Jets, following his injury recovery. He missed the recent game of Toronto due to a lower-body injury.

According to reports, Matthews did not return after Sunday’s game against the Detroit Red Wings, following a block shot and a lower-body injury. However, he updated his injury status, adding that he “felt good” after Wednesday’s practice.

He was initially listed as day-to-day before practice and sat out during Tuesday’s 4–0 win over the New Jersey Devils, with head coach Craig Berube calling his status uncertain ahead of Wednesday’s optional skate. However, Thursday’s morning session took a positive turn for Matthews, as he was seen skating with determination and looking generally agile alongside his teammates.


While discussing his injury, Matthews added, “Pretty worrisome. You never know what [the injury] could be. It caught me in a difficult spot and was pretty swollen for a few days.”

As per the NHL, Matthews has 15 goals and 12 assists over 33 games this season with the Maple Leafs. But Matthews has not been as productive this season as the Maple Leafs. The game is a golden opportunity for the Maple Leafs to strengthen their position in the standings, and integrating Matthews will further bolster their offensive plans and may be, their winning streak as well.

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