TORONTO -- Auston Matthews practiced Monday but will miss his fifth straight game when the Toronto Maple Leafs host the New York Islanders at Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday (1 p.m. ET; SNO, MSGSN). It was the center’s first time practicing since reaggravating an upper-body injury Dec. 20 during a 6-3 win at the Buffalo Sabres.

Auston Matthews took part in Maple Leafs practice for the first time since a Dec. 20 injury but won't play Tuesday against the Islanders.

Toronto is hoping that Matthews can finish the 2024-25 campaign healthy whenever he returns. The veteran forward took over the Maple Leafs' captaincy from Tavares during the offseason nearly one year after the former signed a four-year, $53 million extension with the franchise.

The New York Islanders will have something to prove to their coach when they visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday afternoon. Islanders coach Patrick Roy criticized his team's effort in a 3-2 road loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday following a 6-3 home win over the Penguins the day before.

Pregame analysis and predictions of the New York Islanders vs. Toronto Maple Leafs NHL game to be played on December 31, 2024 on ESPN.

Auston Matthews took part in Toronto Maple Leafs practice for the first time since a Dec. 20 injury but won't play Tuesday at home against the New York Islanders. Coach Craig Berube was pleased with Matthews' participation on Monday but said his captain will miss a fifth consecutive game.

Auston Matthews joined the Toronto Maple Leafs at practice on Monday morning, a sign that he may be inching closer to a return to game action. Matthews has missed the last four games after aggravating a mysterious undisclosed injury,