Huge loss for the Leafs… and the All-Star Game

< /p> UPDATE DAY

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews will miss the next three weeks of action minimally due to a sprained knee suffered during Wednesday's game against the New York Rangers. 

As a result, number 34 will not only miss the matchup scheduled for Friday night against the Ottawa Senators, but also the National Hockey League All-Star weekend, February 3 and 4 at Sunrise. . The American was one of the complementary players selected to represent the Atlantic Division, but his absence will open the door to Aleksander Barkov, captain of the Florida Panthers.

The circumstances surrounding the injury of Matthews have not been clarified publicly by the Leafs. In the 3-2 overtime win over the Blueshirts, he was shut out in more than 21 minutes of play.

The star player tallied 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points in 47 games this season, allowing the Leafs to climb to second place in the Atlantic Division. At the All-Star Classic, Toronto will be represented by Mitchell Marner only.

As for Barkov, he has 43 points in 40 outings so far. His teammate Matthew Tkachuk was already among the guests at the All-Star Weekend.