TORONTO – The Toronto Maple Leafs are adjusting to life without star center and team captain Auston Matthews, who missed Saturday’s 6-3 loss to the New York Islanders due to injury.

Head coach Craig Berube confirmed Matthews’ absence following a cross-check to the back late in Friday’s win over the Buffalo Sabres. Despite skipping the morning skate, the 27-year-old managed to score his 11th goal of the season that night but was deemed unfit to play less than 24 hours later.

The injury appears to have aggravated an upper-body issue that previously sidelined Matthews for nine games last month, during which he traveled to Germany for treatment. Berube described the setback as concerning but emphasized the importance of ensuring the three-time Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy winner is fully recovered before returning to the lineup.

“We want him playing and feeling good whenever he’s back and ready to go,” said Leafs winger William Nylander, who scored twice in the loss to New York. “I don’t know when that is — hopefully soon.”