Toronto, ON – The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that they have placed captain Auston Matthews on injured reserve (IR) retroactive to November 11. In a corresponding move, goaltender Joseph Woll has been activated from long-term injured reserve (LTIR).

Matthews' placement on IR means he will be sidelined for at least seven days from the time the designation is made. He could be eligible to return as early as November 18, when the Maple Leafs face the St. Louis Blues. The team had previously announced that Matthews would be out for a minimum of one week. Matthews reportedly has a lower-body issue and left during Tuesday’s loss to the Bruins.

In response to Matthews' absence, the Maple Leafs have recalled Easton Cowan from the American Hockey League (AHL). Cowan had been sent down to the AHL on November 5 but is now back with the NHL club, providing him with an opportunity to demonstrate his ability to contribute at the highest level.

The activation of Joseph Woll comes after he was sent to the AHL on a conditioning stint as he returned from a leave of absence. With Anthony Stolarz injured, Woll is expected to form a goaltending tandem with Dennis Hildeby until Stolarz recovers. To make room for Woll on the roster, Artur Akhtyamov has been sent back down to the AHL. Akhtyamov served as Hildeby's backup in the recent game against the Los Angeles Kings.

The Maple Leafs are set to embark on a road trip, with games in Chicago and St. Louis before returning home to face the Columbus Blue Jackets on November 20.

When Matthews is out of the lineup, the Maple Leafs have posted a record of 36-19-2. Morgan Rielly said that in Matthews' absence, players try to take on more responsibility realizing they are at a loss without him.

While the team will miss Matthews' offensive contributions, the return of Woll provides a boost in net. The Maple Leafs will look to their depth players to step up and fill the void left by their captain as they navigate the upcoming stretch of games.