Auston Matthews took part in Maple Leafs practice for the first time since a Dec. 20 injury but won't play Tuesday against the Islanders.

TORONTO -- Auston Matthews practiced Monday but will miss his fifth straight game when the Toronto Maple Leafs host the New York Islanders at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday (1 p.m. ET; SNO, MSGSN). It was the center’s first time practicing since reaggravating an upper-body injury Dec. 20 during a 6-3 win at the Buffalo Sabres.

Toronto is hoping that Matthews can finish the 2024-25 campaign healthy whenever he returns. The veteran forward took over the Maple Leafs' captaincy from Tavares during the offseason nearly one year after the former signed a four-year, $53 million extension with the franchise.

The Maple Leafs have confirmed Auston Matthews' status for Tuesday's game against the New York Islanders and may also be missing a key defenseman. After missing the last couple of weeks due to injury,

Auston Matthews took part in Toronto Maple Leafs practice for the first time since a Dec. 20 injury but won't play Tuesday at home against the New York Islanders.

Auston Matthews joined the Toronto Maple Leafs at practice on Monday morning, a sign that he may be inching closer to a return to game action. Matthews has missed the last four games after aggravating a mysterious undisclosed injury,

It has been 10 days since the Toronto Maple Leafs last saw their captain, star forward Auston Matthews, hit the ice for an actual game but based on some of the scenes on Monday morning a return for Matthews may be imminent.