Auston Matthews has given Jim Hiller and the Maple Leafs their clearest sign yet that his knee recovery is moving forward.
New footage showed the Toronto captain back on the ice at HC Davos' training facility in Switzerland, working through a controlled shooting session.
Matthews skated alongside former Maple Leafs teammate Joe Thornton and fired pucks at 17-year-old goaltender Silvano Andri.
The pace was light, but the movement mattered. Matthews appeared comfortable transferring his weight and releasing shots without visible hesitation.
He wasn't attacking the corners or skating through contact. Most attempts were directed toward Andri's blocker and glove as Matthews kept the workload measured.
The clip showed Matthews setting his feet, loading his stick and releasing several clean shots while remaining balanced through each follow-through.
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Matthews reaches another recovery checkpoint
Matthews underwent surgery after suffering a Grade 3 MCL tear and a quad contusion, two injuries capable of affecting his strength, balance and first-step acceleration.
His initial recovery window was listed at 12 weeks. The latest footage suggests he has moved beyond basic skating and into the next stage of his on-ice work.
Matthews had already been seen skating earlier in July. Adding shooting drills gives Hiller another encouraging checkpoint before training camp opens.
The next challenge will be far more demanding. Matthews still needs to handle contact, high-tempo drills, hard stops and the physical pressure that comes with NHL shifts.
Toronto can't measure his readiness through a relaxed summer skate. The real test arrives when Matthews must battle through traffic, drive the middle and absorb contact around the crease.
The Maple Leafs captain recorded 53 points across 60 regular-season games last season. His absence removed the club's top shooting threat and forced major adjustments throughout the top six.
Matthews scored 27 goals despite the shortened campaign. Getting that release back is important, but Toronto also needs his skating base strong enough to support his full offensive workload.
Hiller's first training camp behind the Maple Leafs bench will carry immediate pressure. Matthews' availability could shape Toronto's line combinations, power-play deployment and preparation for opening night.
Nothing in the footage guarantees that Matthews will be ready without restrictions. But seeing him progress from skating to controlled shooting is the strongest public sign yet that his recovery remains on track.
Will Auston Matthews be fully ready for opening night?
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