Thornton to miss at least 1 month with rib fracture, Matthews out vs. Oilers

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Joe Thornton will miss at least one month with a rib fracture, while star pivot Auston Matthews is day-to-day with upper-body soreness and won't play Friday against the Edmonton Oilers, head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed, according to NHL.com's Mike Zeisberger.

Matthews' absence is said to be precautionary and likely short term.

Thornton, 41, exited Wednesday's contest after taking an awkward hit from Oilers forward Josh Archibald in the third period. The Maple Leafs placed him on long-term injured reserve Friday.

Video- Joe Thornton Injured Tonight, Will Miss Some Time: Joe Thornton heads to the dressing room after taking a hit along the boards. #NHLonSN #ItsOn pic.twitter.com/BrESUlLkmW - Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 21, 2021 Sheldon Keefe on Joe Thornton: "It... https://t.co/Wwa4OFqEyr

- Kukla's Korner (@kuklaskorner) January 21, 2021

The veteran forward has tallied a goal and an assist through five games this season.

Matthews has recorded two goals and five points over five outings and leads the league with 27 shots on goal.

The 23-year-old has taken another step defensively this season and has been tasked with playing against opponents' top lines. He skated for 12:04 at five-on-five against the Oilers' top trio led by Connor McDavid on Wednesday, posting a Corsi For of 60% against that unit, according to Natural Stat Trick.

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