Auston Matthews, the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is set to return to the lineup for the upcoming game against the Tampa Bay Lightning after missing nine games due to an upper-body injury.

Matthews expressed his excitement about rejoining the team, having recently returned to skating. The Maple Leafs managed to win seven of the nine games during his absence. He has recorded five goals and six assists in 13 games this season, following a remarkable previous campaign.

Additionally, teammate Matthew Knies participated in practice and may also return from injured reserve for the game.