Matthews expects to play Thursday after taking knee to head

Toronto Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews said he expects to play Thursday against the Calgary Flames after a scary-looking collision forced the sniper to exit Monday's showdown against the Carolina Hurricanes, according to TSN's Mark Masters.

Matthews added following Wednesday's practice that he was left a "bit shaken up" on the play.

"It happened so quick. ... I felt fine later that night. Felt good the next day and throughout the day," he said. "So, just talking to the medical team, there was no hesitation to jump into practice today."

The incident occurred late in the third period of the Maple Leafs' 4-3 overtime victory. The 24-year-old got tangled up with Hurricanes forward Nino Niederreiter while jockeying for position. As Matthews was falling down, he got hit in the back of the head by blue-liner Brett Pesce's knee.

Matthews took some time to get up and left the ice. He didn't return.

Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe said Tuesday that Matthews was "feeling pretty good," noting that there was a sense of relief concerning his status.

The reigning Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy winner paces all Maple Leafs skaters with 31 goals and 53 points so far this season.

Matthews missed the first three games of the 2021-22 campaign after undergoing offseason wrist surgery. The Leafs went 2-1-0 in his absence.

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