Report: Auston Matthews expected to return to Zurich lineup within 5-7 days

The projected No. 1 pick at the 2016 NHL Draft appears set to return to Swiss League action.

Auston Matthews, who hasn't played since Oct. 23 due to a back injury, is expected to return to the Zurich lineup within the next five-to-seven days, reports Bob McKenzie of TSN.

McKenzie adds that Matthews is being cautious with the injury, and would likely be able to suit up if he were currently playing at the NHL level or in the Swiss League playoffs.

Barring a setback, the back issue is not likely to keep him from playing for the U.S. national junior team at the 2016 World Junior Championship, which begins Dec. 26 in Helsinki.

Matthews recorded 10 goals and six assists in 14 games for Zurich prior to the injury.