Berube reiterated that Matthews’ return will depend on when the star center feels ready to compete, and given the Leafs' form without him in the lineup there is no reason to rush his return. Matthews has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since Nov. 3, but Toronto has gone on to put up an impressive 7-1 record with its captain sidelined.

TORONTO -- Auston Matthews participated in his first full practice with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday and could return from an upper-body injury when they visit the Florida Panthers on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, SNW, SNO, SN1).

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been without Auston Matthews since Nov. 3. The captain has missed eight games since being placed on IR. He will also miss his ninth game in a row for Wednesday’s game against the Florida Panthers.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been without their superstar captain Auston Matthews for nearly a month thanks to a lengthy upper-body injury. Despite being fully

The Toronto Maple Leafs have hit their stride without Auston Matthews in the lineup, climbing to first place in the Atlantic Division by embracing a more straightforward, disciplined style of play.

Matthews will miss his ninth straight game with a mysterious injury, but Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said "he's feeling good."

While the Toronto Maple Leafs superstar indicated Wednesday’s showdown against the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers as his possible return date, Matthews will miss a ninth consecutive game due to his undisclosed upper-body injury.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been winning without Auston Matthews in the lineup. He is now returning. What does the team do?

Matthews flew to Munich, Germany to get treatment for his upper-body injury and returned to skating on Saturday.