Maple Leafs' Matthews tests positive for COVID-19
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews tested positive for COVID-19 on Monday morning, head coach Sheldon Keefe announced, according to The Hockey News' David Alter.
Keefe said the positive result came from a rapid test and that the team has had rapid tests produce false positives before. The results of Matthews' PCR test will be available Tuesday. He is asymptomatic, Keefe said, according to Mark Zwolinski of the Toronto Star.
The Maple Leafs return to action Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers. John Tavares centered the top line in Matthews' absence during Monday's practice, while Alexander Kerfoot shifted from wing to center:
#Leafs forward lines at practice Jan. 3/22
— David Alter (@dalter) January 3, 2022
Bunting-Tavares-Marner
Mikheyev-Kerfoot-Nylander
Engvall-Kampf-Kase
Ritchie-Spezza-Simmonds
Matthews, 24, leads Toronto with 20 goals and 33 points in 28 games this season.
HEADLINES
- Leonard, Buium, Howard named Hobey Baker finalists
- Cardinals make McBride highest-paid TE ever with 4-year, $76M extension
- Walker twirls 6 scoreless innings as Phillies sweep Rockies
- Brooks suspended 1 game after picking up 16th tech of season
- What the odds say: When and how will Ovi break Gretzky's goals record?