Matthews (shoulder) feels like he could play, but an official determination on his readiness for game action won't be made until Thursday, Mark Masters of TSN.careports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews reportedly practiced in his normal top-line spot Wednesday morning, and afterward sounded quite confident that he'll be fit to play against the Predators on Thursday night. Coach Mike Babcock took a more reserved approach concerning Matthews by telling the media that the star pivot's status won't officially be revealed until game day. Either way, it sounds like 2016's first overall draft pick -- who's accumulated 28 goals and 22 assists in 53 games -- is very close to returning for the playoff-bound Leafs.

Matthews (shoulder) will not be in the lineup against the Lightning on Tuesday, Jonas Siegel of The Athletic Toronto reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite initial indications Matthews might be ready Tuesday, coach Mike Babcock will keep the center on the sidelines at least one more game. The good news for fantasy owners is that the 20-year-old will make the trip, which keeps him in contention to play Thursday versus Nashville. With their spot in the Atlantic Division all but determined, the bigger concern for the Leafs is Matthews' availability for the postseason, so they are unlikely to let him hit the ice until he is 100 percent.

Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock thinks Matthews (shoulder) will be fit to play in Tuesday's game against the Lightning, Mark Masters of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews has missed the last eight games for a Toronto club that is on the verge of clinching a spot in the postseason. The second-year phenom reportedly ditched his no-contact jersey for practice Saturday, which is the clear sign that he's on the verge of activation. Needless to say, Matthews' fantasy owners are going to be tracking his every move as he rounds out his recovery, and rightfully so -- the guy has 50 points (28 goals, 22 assists) through 53 games in 2017-18.

Matthews (shoulder) dropped his no-contact designation for Saturday's practice session, Kristen Shilton of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews didn't take part in the line rushes, suggesting he will sit out once again, but the star pivot appears to be nearing a return to the lineup. Assuming he can get another practice or two under his belt over the next couple of days, Matthews could be back in the lineup for Tuesday's contest against the Lightning.

Matthews (shoulder) did participate in practice Thursday, but he did so in a non-contact jersey and will miss the evening's contest against the Sabres, Mark Masters of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews will need to graduate to full contact before he's considered an option for the lineup. The fact that he's on the ice sheet for practice is a good sign, but his next opportunity to return now arrives Saturday against the Canadiens. The Maple Leafs continue to get by without him but could really use their star pivot as the battle for playoff positioning down the stretch.

Matthews (shoulder) will not return ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the Stars, Jonas Siegel of The Athletic Toronto reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews was on the ice for a full practice session Monday, Mark Masters of TSN.ca reports, albeit in a non-contact jersey. The center has already missed six games due to his shoulder injury, although seems to be trending in the right direction. The 2016 first-overall pick's primary focus should be on getting back to firing on all cylinders in time for the playoffs, so the team will likely be cautious about rushing him back into action.

Matthews (shoulder) is still wearing a red non-contact jersey on the ice ahead of team practices, Mark Masters of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

The stud pivot is likely to return late next week, according to Darren Dreger of TSN, which would seem to rule Matthews out for both Saturday's game against the Penguins and Wednesday's clash with the Stars, but Dreger cautions that "nothing is set in stone." Obviously, Matthews will need to prove that he can withstand contact before getting the green light to return to game action.

Per coach Mike Babcock, Matthews (shoulder) likely won't play Saturday against the Penguins, Mark Masters of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews returned to the ice with his teammates for the first time since sustaining his injury Wednesday, but he was wearing a non-contact jersey during his abbreviated practice session with the Maple Leafs' main group, so he still has at least one major hurdle to clear before he'll be given the green light to return to action. If the 20-year-old pivot is unable to go Saturday as expected, his next chance to return to the lineup won't come until next Wednesday against the Stars.

Matthews (shoulder) skated ahead of team practice Wednesday, Mark Masters of TSN.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Given Matthews' importance to the Leafs and the hockey world in general, his progress is being monitored very carefully. The star pivot with 50 points (28 goals, 22 assists) through 50 games will have at least three more days to rest ahead of the next contest -- he's already missed the last five.

Matthews won't play Saturday against Washington, but he's progressing in his recovery from an apparent shoulder injury, TSN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Matthews has been skating "every day" and should be in playing shape once he's cleared to return to the lineup, but he won't participate in Saturday's Stadium Series clash with the Capitals, and he isn't expected to be ready for Monday's matchup with the Sabres either. The Maple Leafs are in comfortable playoff position, so they won't rush their star center back before he's ready, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him given the green light ahead of next Saturday's game against the Penguins.