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Posted: November 23, 2024 • Last updated: 16 minutes ago • 3 min read
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews (34) drives around St. Louis Blues forward Jordan Kyrou (25) during the first NHL hockey game in Toronto, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Photo credit: Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press
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Auston Matthews He says his enthusiasm to return to the Maple Leafs lineup has proven counterproductive in the past.
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So when an upper-body injury started bothering him last month, he decided to go the extra mile (actually 4,000 miles) to make sure he and his team were at peace. So last week, I quietly went to see an expert in Munich, Germany for five days, and about a week before practice on Saturday, he skated for the first time.
The team captain and defensive NHL goals leader enjoyed skating and shooting for at least 30 minutes.
“(The injury) flared up in the preseason, felt better and then started to get worse,” Matthews said. “I felt it was time to take a step back and reassess. It hasn’t necessarily gotten worse, but it hasn’t gotten better either. “I wanted to be proactive.”
So he and the team medical director, Dr. Noah Forman headed overseas.
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“I wanted to get it done right away,” Matthews said. “You could say it’s a mistake I made in the past. You want to get back, you feel good, you want to get back into the game, but maybe you’re not ready yet. “(This time) I wanted to make sure the situation before the game was close to 100%,” he said.
A Leaf spokesman said the German doctor was not known to the club and that other Toronto players have used specialists in the past, but did not name them. Mathews acknowledged his unusual perspective in seeking outside help.
“I’m not sure (the path he took) would be that different. The ratios are a bit inflated in this market. However, many players in the NHL and other leagues may seek second opinions and advice outside of their teams. “It’s not that strange for athletes to take care of their bodies,” he said.
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Before Vegas visited Toronto last week, Golden Knights’ Jack Eichel applauded Matthews for going to Germany. It was after a high-profile blowout with the Buffalo Sabers that he sought to work on discs, which the Sabers did not like.
“The team supported me to meet someone in Germany who I had seen before, was very comfortable with, was very smart and had been with me for a long time,” Matthews said. “I feel a lot better. It’s nice to be back and see the players. That’s always the hardest part about being away and being hurt.”
Now the question is when will Matthews get into the game? He hasn’t played since Nov. 3 and hasn’t skated in over a week.
“I am very confident. I want to take things further and get on the ice to see how things are going. From where I was (a few days ago) to now, I feel a lot better day and night.”
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“Tomorrow (against Utah) is not realistic, but Wednesday (against Florida) is possible,” he said.
The Leafs have a 6-1 record without Matthews, and a win over Utah would push them to 42-20-2 under such circumstances since 2016.
“The players are taking a step forward and we have been playing some good teams,” Matthews said of the latest results. “That’s the sign of a great team. “Against Vegas, we had six forwards out and allowed players to get called up and make an impact.”
William Nylander was one of many Leafs grateful to have Matthews back.
“We miss the leadership he has and everything he can do on the ice.”
Matthews said his main goal is to return to the Leafs as soon as possible, but a full recovery will allow him to play for the United States in the Four Nations clash in February.
“It’s going to be quite a bit further down the road,” he said. “When that time comes, that will be the top priority.”
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## World Today News: Interview with Auston Matthews and Dr. Noah Forman
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News. Today, we have a special interview with Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Auston Matthews and the team’s medical director, Dr. Noah Forman. We’ll be discussing Auston’s recent trip to Germany for treatment of an upper-body injury and its impact on his recovery and the team’s performance.
**Section 1: The Decision to Seek Outside Expertise**
**Interviewer:** Auston, thank you for being with us today. Your decision to seek treatment with a specialist in Germany generated a lot of interest. What factors led you to make this unconventional choice?
**Auston Matthews:** It was a combination of things. I’ve learned from past experiences that rushing back from injuries can be counterproductive. This time, I wanted to be proactive and ensure my body was truly ready. I felt strongly about seeking expert advice outside the team structure, confident that this approach would contribute to a full and lasting recovery.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Forman, what are your thoughts on Auston’s decision to seek help abroad? How common is it for athletes to explore options outside their team’s medical network?
**Dr. Noah Forman:** While it’s unusual for athletes to travel internationally for treatment, it’s not unheard of. Athletes, especially those at the elite level, often seek second opinions and consult with specialists who they trust and respect. In Auston’s case, we fully supported his decision and collaborated closely with the German doctor to ensure continuity of care.
**Section 2: The Impact on Recovery and Team Dynamics**
**Interviewer:** Auston, how has this experience impacted your recovery process? Do you feel you’re making faster progress due to this specialized treatment?
**Auston Matthews:** Absolutely. The treatment I received in Germany has been invaluable. I felt significant improvement in just a few days. It gives me confidence that I’m on the right track and can return to the ice stronger than before.
**Interviewer:** Dr. Forman, how does the team approach the recovery of a key player like Auston? What challenges do you face, and how important is open communication in this process?
**Dr. Noah Forman:** The health and well-being of our players is our top priority. Managing the return of a star player like Auston requires a delicate balance between medical guidance and respect for his individual needs and goals. Open communication among the player, coaches, medical staff, and the athlete’s support system is crucial for a successful recovery.
**Section 3: The Future and Long-Term Goals**
**Interviewer:** Auston, with your return to the Leafs looming, what are your expectations for the remainder of the season?
**Auston Matthews:** My focus right now is on making a full recovery and rejoining my teammates on the ice. The team has been playing incredibly well, and I want to contribute to their success in any way I can. Of course, I’m also looking ahead to the Four Nations tournament with the US team in February; that’s a major goal for me as well.
**Interviewer:** What message would you give to young athletes from your experience dealing with this injury and seeking the best possible treatment?
**Auston Matthews:** Always listen to your body and don’t rush back from injuries. Take the time to heal properly and seek expert advice if needed. There’s no shame in taking extra steps to ensure your long-term health and performance. It’s about making smart decisions for yourself and your career.
**Conclusion:**
We thank Auston Matthews and Dr. Noah Forman for sharing their insights with us. Their story highlights the importance of proactive healthcare for athletes, the value of seeking expert advice, and the importance of teamwork and communication in navigating injuries. We wish Auston a speedy and full recovery and look forward to seeing him back on the ice for the Maple Leafs soon.
