Still without a timeline for return, Matthews spoke with media for the first time since he last played on Dec. 20.

For the second time this season, Toronto Maple Leafs superstar forward Auston Matthews is missing time due to an upper-body injury. The Maple Leafs missed their captain for about a month earlier in the season and has now been on the shelf again for five games.

Dreger echoed Ferraro’s perspective, adding that Matthews’ return may in fact align with the Four Nations Faceoff, which begins on Feb. 12. Matthews will represent Team USA for the first time since 2016 and was one of the first six players included in the roster last summer.