Was Matthews Injured in 2023?

[cipher]

I love Matthews, but my biggest concern is what happened to him this past year. His wrist shot completely disappeared for long stretches of the year where it was slower than we've seen and/or not as accurate with him missing the net more than he ever has. Additionally, his motor seemed to have regressed where he wasn't his dominant self at both ends of the ice and he seemed more fatigued than normal in many games. In 2022 Matthews was league MVP and at the time I had him as 2nd best player in the NHL behind McDavid. In 2023, most would struggle to put him in the top 10-15 based on the results from this past year. I had assumed he was carrying at least one injury (wrist, leg, back) and we would be hearing about surgery this offseason, but there has been no reports of any operations being lined up.

I'm interested in hearing others thoughts on what they saw from Matthews this year as something didn't seem right compared to what we've seen. Honestly, if he was injured it would be amazing that he scored 40, but I'm no longer sure that was the reason for the differences in play we saw from him.

Click to read more...

 

[TheGreenTBer]

There are so many warning signs with this guy, it's unbelievable.

I'm going to stay out of this otherwise.

 

[BraveCanadian]

He definitely was and admitted as much late in the season when he said he was finally 100%.

Went on a tear for 10 games or whatever and the first round of the playoffs and then disappeared again. If it is something chronic I would be VERY wary of signing him long team if I was the next Leafs GM.

 

[leafsfan5]

Yes, once again his wrist shot seemed off and didn't have the same zip to it

Which is incredibly concerning given we're likely providing him with the biggest deal in the NHL in a month or so

 

[PromisedLand]

My Theory: (no proof just guesswork)

I think after winning rocket, hart last season, Matthews decided to take it easy in the offseason and did not put in much work. It was evident in the pre-seaon when he was bent over after 30 second shift huffing and puffing for air.

Matthews also lost a bit of speed this season; he wasn't skating as good as the season prior.

His wrist was an issue when it comes to his shot no doubt (which may be the case moving forward ) but his conditioning was terrible to begin the season, during the season and in the playoffs.

 

[authentic]

He definitely was and admitted as much late in the season when he said he was finally 100%.

Went on a tear for 10 games or whatever and the first round of the playoffs and then disappeared again. If it is something chronic I would be VERY wary of signing him long team if I was the next Leafs GM.

Game 3 against Florida, got hit in the hand with a puck and was in noticeable pain. That was the end of his scoring streak and he was basically a ghost offensively those last 3 games.

Even still I don't believe he ever got to 100%, but he was definitely playing pretty well near the end of the season and against Tampa compared to what he was like all season.

Keefe and Dubas mentioned he was nursing injuries through the season as well but I'm just curious as to why he was not sitting and resting if it's not something he needs surgery for. I really hope we see 2022 Matthews again this season but if not I pray he's atleast healthy again and he should be good for 50+ goals and 100+ points and show up in the playoffs.

 

[ShaneFalco]

I love Matthews, but my biggest concern is what happened to him this past year. His wrist shot completely disappeared for long stretches of the year where it was slower than we've seen and/or not as accurate with him missing the net more than he ever has. Additionally, his motor seemed to have regressed where he wasn't his dominant self at both ends of the ice and he seemed more fatigued than normal in many games. In 2022 Matthews was league MVP and at the time I had him as 2nd best player in the NHL behind McDavid. In 2023, most would struggle to put him in the top 10-15 based on the results from this past year. I had assumed he was carrying at least one injury (wrist, leg, back) and we would be hearing about surgery this offseason, but there has been no reports of any operations being lined up.

I'm interested in hearing others thoughts on what they saw from Matthews this year as something didn't seem right compared to what we've seen. Honestly, if he was injured it would be amazing that he scored 40, but I'm no longer sure that was the reason for the differences in play we saw from him.

I think so but at a contract crucial juncture - he's fine

 

[justashadowof]

I fully expected to hear after the playoffs how he was playing through a chronic wrist/hand problem that would require surgery in the off-season. Then we heard nothing to this effect. Did he simply just take his foot off the pedal during the season? He's still getting as many shots as previous seasons. He's still as difficult to defend as ever. Maybe this isn't true but he seemed to be missing the net more often.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

He was definitely injured with the wrist wrapped in the handshake line.

How bad it was is obviously an unknown. Although, I thought he looked good to end the season.

Plus how much that contributed to his offensive drop is unclear. I think the goalscoring going down makes sense as his shot lacked zip and he was also bobbling the puck a lot more in open spaces throughout the season.

 

[GoonieFace]

Yep, him and most other players.

 

[justashadowof]

Here's a conspiracy theory for ya: Matthews is downplaying a more serious wrist issue until after he signs his extension. I mean after all his wrist shot is his bread and butter.

 

[3blizzard4]

If he has an underlying wrist issue, and if the Leafs know about it, they 100% do, what would warrant the highest paid player in the league contract?

 

[RoadWarrior]

If he has an underlying wrist issue, and if the Leafs know about it, they 100% do, what would warrant the highest paid player in the league contract?

Nothing. There is no logical excuse for paying Matthews maximum $. He’s done nothing to date to deserve that kind of compensation.

 

[ToneDog]

If he has an underlying wrist issue, and if the Leafs know about it, they 100% do, what would warrant the highest paid player in the league contract?

If the team knew and allowed Dubas to push in his chips, they were as delusional as the GM and should all be fired. As we have seen so many times, if Matty can't get it done, this team folds like a cheap suitcase.

 

[Leaf Rocket]

He got injured early on and then also was battling a rib issue I believe. After he was like hey i feel better he started showing like his old self, Im pretty sure he was banged up after first round too just bearing with it. So yes he was injured.

 

[Menzinger]

Different media guys reported that Matthews by the end of the season had finally recovered from dealing with an undisclosed injury issue (also noticable that he had a strong finish to the season).

He then has a brace (or taped) wrist during the last couple games against the Panthers.

 

[Boxscore]

Matthews also lost a bit of speed this season; he wasn't skating as good as the season prior.

This has been a major concern for me over the last couple of years. And at 24 and 25 he shouldn't be losing speed. I just don't see the same intensity in his game.

 

[centipede2233]

I think paying matthews big money is a huge mistake.

 

[Nineteen67]

His wrist may have been bothering him, but didn’t he shed some weight last summer? I know Tavares did but I think Matthews trimmed a few lbs as well. At his age and physique he should still be adding weight in the off season, especially in his upper body.

 

[Tak7]

He was never going to score 60 again, but the way the zip & sting of his shot just disappeared for stretches this season was so unusual.

Definitely not healthy. We saw the wrapped up wrist, and we know he's had back / shoulder issues in the past. He told us he was healthy during locker clean out interviews, but I find that very hard to believe just based on what we saw this year.

 

[Stephen]

It’s not just the shot though. He didn’t really dig in and play straight line hockey in the playoffs. Lots of energy saver wide loops and lack of separation speed. Not sure if that’s an injury, or if he wanted to conserve energy or try to cover more of the ice defensively but just didn’t feel like he had that superstar gear.

 

[koyvoo]

This has been a major concern for me over the last couple of years. And at 24 and 25 he shouldn't be losing speed. I just don't see the same intensity in his game.

I think paying matthews big money is a huge mistake.

Look at the bright side. Goal scorers always peak after the age of 25-26 years old.

 

[nuck]

For the regular season his volume of shots were right where they should be. To fall to 12% shooting from the 16%-18% of the 3 years before says he had to be hurt, and pretty much all year.

Chronic degenerative wrist problem? Tendonitis? A couple of separate injury events? Not knowing the details, or the prognosis or treatment options I don't know what to say except I hope he gets the right medical treatment and signs an extension appropriate to his physical ability to earn it. Can't really ask for more.

 

[Stephen]

For the regular season his volume of shots were right where they should be. To fall to 12% shooting from the 16%-18% of the 3 years before says he had to be hurt, and pretty much all year.

Chronic degenerative wrist problem? Tendonitis? A couple of separate injury events? Not knowing the details, or the prognosis or treatment options I don't know what to say except I hope he gets the right medical treatment and signs an extension appropriate to his physical ability to earn it. Can't really ask for more.

Can anyone think of another NHL player whose career was severely sidetracked by chronically damaged wrists? Of all the things that could be chronic issues I have confidence and hope the medical community and player can figure it out.

 

[Zur En Arrh]

Of course he was. Think of this, dude scored over forty, played ELITE defence with ONE wrist. He wasn't backpacked. Kids an absolute monster...

He's going to resign, his wrist will get fixed and he's gonna read the main boards soul apart next season....again....book it!!!