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Canucks Injury Update: NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup Dec. 28

In our NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (Dec 28), Matthews will miss fourth straight, Ovechkin might play vs Leafs, Canucks injury update

by
Old Prof
December 28, 2024

After a short Christmas break, the NHL filled out a slate of games, and we have some news about injuries. Welcome back to the NHL Trade Talk Morning Roundup (December 28). We will bring you three key NHL stories in brief each morning. Stay updated on the latest team performances, trade buzz, and standout player news from around the league. Here are today’s three key roundup topics.

Auston Matthews Will Miss His Fourth Straight Game Tonight

Auston Matthews will miss his fourth consecutive game for the Toronto Maple Leafs due to an upper-body injury, sidelining him for Saturday’s game against the Washington Capitals. Although Matthews is reportedly feeling better, head coach Craig Berube confirmed that the captain will not play this weekend. Matthews has been dealing with this injury since mid-December, following a couple of hard hits during a win over the Buffalo Sabres on Dec. 20.

The star center had previously missed nine games last month due to a similar injury, which he had been managing since preseason. Despite missing time, Matthews has been highly productive when healthy, registering 12 points in 11 games since returning. The Maple Leafs have managed to perform well in his absence, going 7-2-0 without him last month and boasting a solid all-time record of 43-22-2 without their leader on the ice.

Will Alex Ovechkin Return Tonight Against Toronto?

Saturday’s NHL schedule features 11 games, including a key game between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs at 7 p.m. ET. The game is significant as Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin looks to continue his pursuit of Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goals record. Ovechkin, who has missed the last 16 games due to a fractured fibula, now has 868 career goals, just 26 shy of Gretzky’s 894.

For the Maple Leafs, this game comes as part of a back-to-back set after their 5-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Friday. However, the Maple Leafs will be looking to extend their strong form without Matthews, who has been out since mid-December.

Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson are Doubtful for Canucks vs Kraken

Vancouver Canucks coach Rick Tocchet confirmed that both top defenseman Quinn Hughes and star center Elias Pettersson are doubtful to play in Saturday’s game against the Seattle Kraken. Neither player participated in Friday’s practice. Hughes is undergoing evaluation, and Pettersson is slated to undergo further assessment. Hughes, the 2023 Norris Trophy winner, leads the Canucks in scoring with 42 points in 34 games, while Pettersson ranks second on the team with 28 points.

With both stars uncertain, Tocchet emphasized a “next man up” mentality, urging the team to rally together and give more effort to cover the absences. Erik Brannstrom, who has been a healthy scratch recently, will step into the lineup for Hughes. Tocchet advised Brannstrom to keep his game simple and not try to replace Hughes’ playmaking ability.