Matthews ‘pumped’ about return

Leafs star likely to play Monday against Rangers

Auston Matthews is back — and just maybe, he brings the slow-starting Toronto Maple Leafs offence with him.

The team’s leading scorer announced himself ready to roll for Monday’s home game against the New York Rangers, with the wrist surgery he underwent two months ago — with an additional three games off to make sure he was 100 per cent — ready to be tested.

“I felt great the last week and I’m anticipating playing tomorrow,” Matthews said after Sunday’s practice. “It’s not a lot of fun watching. You’re anxious to get out there with the guys and snap it around. I’m pumped.”

So is just about everyone associated with the team. Matthews is the last and biggest missing piece of the plan to move past the playoff failure against Montreal and get back on a path to prove the full core can still make something of its shrinking Stanley Cup window.

In Matthews’ absence, the Leafs won two of their first three games, but linemate Mitch Marner has just one assist and their new left winger, Nick Ritchie, has no points. John Tavares has looked a bit snake-bitten on the power play and the team also missed Matthews’ active stick on take-aways, reflected in some own-zone problems early in games.

“(Matthews) adds more depth to our lineup that already has a lot of depth,” Marner said. “It adds more flow to the game and trusting everyone more. (But) we have to make sure in the first game we’re not too reckless with the puck, not forcing anything.

“I’m comfortable playing with anyone. We were getting our chances, we just have to stay patient.”

Tavares will move back to the middle of his projected line with William Nylander and Michael Bunting, while Alex Kerfoot will be on the left side with David Kampf and Ondrej Kase, the fourth line comprised of Pierre Engvall, Jason Spezza and Wayne Simmonds. Centre Michael Amadio likely sits.

Matthews won the Rocket Richard Trophy last year, but took his share of blame when the Leafs stumbled again in the playoffs. Coach Sheldon Keefe needs him for the remaining 79 games that will dictate Toronto getting its chance at post-season redemption.

“It’s huge; he’s one of the best players in the world and it’s tough not seeing him in the games because you see how dominant he is in practice,” Keefe said. “He’s excited, the players are excited, fans should be excited.

“I’m sure he’s going to give a boost to whomever he’s playing with. There’ll be some adjustments for him (having played no exhibitions), but he’ll find his way through it. His two-way game is in a good place right now. While dealing with the wrist, his skating looks better than a year ago. He’s changed his body and his training and looks a lot quicker with his (explosiveness), edges and crossovers. That adds another layer to his game.”

Matthews being on one wall of the power play, with Nylander on the other, Marner the bumper and Tavares around the net will be a lot for the opposition to cover. It’s hoped new assistant coach Spencer Carbery’s plan to fix the issues that plagued the unit last year will play to Matthews’ shooting strengths.

Keefe was still missing defenceman Justin Holl on Sunday, ill for a second straight day after being scratched in Saturday’s win over Ottawa, but testing negative for COVID-19. Fellow blueliner Jake Muzzin took a maintenance day Sunday.

Michael Hutchinson join ed the Leafs as backup goaltender on Sunday. The team got in cap and injury trouble Saturday and had to sign university goalie Alex Bishop to a one-game contract.

IT’S HUGE; (MATTHEWS IS) ONE OF THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE WORLD.