Matthews has not played since suffering a lower-body injury from a Nikita Zadorov hit two weeks ago, but has been practicing for a week and will return to the lineup on Wednesday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 28-year-old Matthews has not been as dynamic as in previous seasons, but his goal-scoring prowess has been greatly missed by a Maple Leafs team that has lost seven of its last eight games (1-4-3). Matthews has 14 points (9G / 5A) through 17 games. Expect him to play on a line with Matthew Knies, who is also returning from a multi-game absence due to an injury.


