Leafs' Auston Matthews Leaves The Country And Heads Overseas To See Doctor: Concerns Are Mounting
NHL insider Chris Johnston has just revealed that Leafs captain Auston Matthews has arrived in Munich, Germany, to see a specialist for the injury he suffered.
This is not the update on Auston Matthews that fans have been waiting for, with the questions about his status only growing louder.
Confirmation from several reports suggests that Matthews recently visited a German clinic. That did, of course, raise a few eyebrows in terms of the location chosen, but sources close to him insist it's nothing to be alarmed about.
The visit is not for surgery, which, as stated, was never an option. It's an opportunity for Matthews to address his present condition and do a general body tune-up.
Fans have been quick to voice their concerns and displeasure on social media as they feel the team has not been transparent with the injury to Matthews, and many fear it is a lot worse than what they are being led to believe.
The Leafs are adamant this trip does not amount to commentary on their own medical team, as one of the Leafs' physicians accompanied Matthews to ensure a transition of care, and that players seeking outside opinions is a regular occurrence in the industry, often seen by teams as a player's due diligence rather than any kind of indictment.
It's a sensitive situation, with Matthews, like most pro athletes, keeping in-house the details about injuries and with the Leafs respecting him for that.
But considering Matthews is one of the bigger stars of the NHL, and playing in a hockey-mad market, it's fueling speculation that makes everyone anxious to have an update given how hugely impactful he has been on and off the ice.
For now, that's the company line from the Leafs, matching up with what coach Craig Berube said earlier.
With the ease of schedule, only three games over 13 days, the team feels the best thing for Matthews' long-term health and readiness is rest.
Fans are eagerly awaiting more positive updates, which at this point, seems unlikely as the Leafs have been unusually secretive about this situation.
