TORONTO -- Auston Matthews participated in his first full practice with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday and could return from an upper-body injury when they visit the Florida Panthers on Wednesday (7:30 p.m. ET; SCRIPPS, SNW, SNO, SN1).

Defeating the defending Stanley Cup Champions won't be easy, which is why Maple Leafs fans are hoping that Matthews will be healthy enough to face the Panthers. The Toronto captain has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since Nov. 3, however, Tuesday's return to practice sparked optimism regarding his outlook.

The bruised-and-battered, next-guy-up, stick-to-the-system Toronto Maple Leafs have weathered the storm admirably, going 7-2 over the nearly four-week-long absence of Auston Matthews. But as the forward injuries compound and the goals dry up,

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been winning without Auston Matthews in the lineup. He is now returning. What does the team do?

Berube reiterated that Matthews’ return will depend on when the star center feels ready to compete, and given the Leafs' form without him in the lineup there is no reason to rush his return. Matthews has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since Nov. 3, but Toronto has gone on to put up an impressive 7-1 record with its captain sidelined.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews will not play in Wednesday’s contest against the Florida Panthers. Matthews returned to practice Wednesday after taking part in Sunday’s morning skate, prior to Toronto’s game against the Seattle Kraken.

Matthews will miss his ninth straight game with a mysterious injury, but Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube said "he's feeling good."

The Toronto Maple Leafs will not have Auston Matthews in the lineup for a powerhouse divisional clash with the Florida Panthers on Wednesday.