Perhaps having some extra rest by skipping practice will produce the desired result for Auston Matthews, who scored 33 goals and racked up 45 assists through a total of 67 games during the 2024-25 ...

Apr 13, 2025; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Joseph Woll (60) and center Auston Matthews (34) celebrate their victory against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center.

It’s the second time this postseason that Matthews has opted out of practice. Though not officially confirmed by the Leafs, it's pretty clear the star center is battling something physical.

After a rest day on Monday, Auston Matthews stepped onto the ice before the Toronto Maple Leafs' optional morning skate ahead of Game 5 against the Ottawa Senators.

Berube implied that he and Matthews had a conversation about that increased ice time and the decision was made to give the Leafs’ No. 1 centre a day off from practice.