Maple Leafs could have Matthews back by Wednesday after visiting doctor in Germany

Auston Matthews was back on the ice.

For the first time since Nov. 10, the Toronto Maple Leafs captain was spotted skating ahead of Saturday’s practice. He did not take part in the main part of the practice.

Matthews has been dealing with a lingering injury that he said flared up during the pre-season and worsened during the regular season. However, he made it clear that the issues aren’t related to problems he’s had with his wrist over the past few seasons.

The reigning Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner last played on Nov. 3 against the Minnesota Wild. In the seven games Matthews has missed since, the Maple Leafs are 6-1.

On Tuesday, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Matthews went to Germany this week to visit a clinic “he knows and trusts.”

Matthews addressed the trip after practice on Saturday.

“(The injury) flared up in pre-season, felt better and started getting worse. I just felt it was time to take a step back, re-evaluate,” Matthews told reporters when asked about his trip to Germany. “It hasn’t necessarily gotten worse, but wasn’t getting better. I wanted to be pro-active.”

Matthews added he spent about five days overseas to receive a second opinion.

“I think a lot of guys, you see it in the NHL but also in other leagues, maybe seek second opinions or go seek advice from other areas outside the team,” Matthews said.

“I don’t think it’s something that’s super abnormal for athletes to take charge of their medical, take charge of their body.”

As far as to when Matthews thinks he can return to the lineup?

“Obviously, I’d love to get out there,” Matthews said. “Tomorrow’s not realistic, but Wednesday, possibly. We will just see how the week goes.”

Toronto hosts Utah on Sunday, then will head to the Sunshine State for games against the Florida Panthers on Wednesday and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Nov. 30.

In 13 games this season, Matthews has five goals and six assists.

In non-Matthews news, forward Max Domi has been ruled for Sunday’s game against Utah.

Domi was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury retroactive to Nov. 16 on Wednesday. Sunday was the first game he was eligible to return for, but his return will have to wait a little longer.

In 19 games for Toronto this season, Domi has six assists and is still searching for his first goal.

Files from The Canadian Press were used in this report