Auston Matthews Targets Saturday Return, Doubtful for Thursday's Blue Jackets Game

Auston Matthews (lower body) is targeting a return to the ice on Saturday, making him doubtful for Thursday's game against the Blue Jackets. General Manager Brad Treliving indicated the absence wouldn't be "too, too long." Matthews, recognized as the NHL's premier goal scorer, recorded 69 goals in 2023-24, the most since 1995-96, and is the only player with multiple 60-goal seasons in the salary cap era. Despite a high number of even-strength goals and some past injury history, he played 81 games last season, a career high since his rookie year. With five 40-goal seasons, a Calder, two Rocket Richards, a Hart, and a Ted Lindsay Trophy, Matthews consistently performs above a point-per-game pace. He remains a top-tier fantasy asset, anchoring the Toronto Maple Leafs' top line and power-play unit with his elite shooting and leadership.