Paul Bissonnette suggests Auston Matthews skip 4 Nations Face-Off to focus on Maple Leafs playoff push (Source: Imagn)

Paul Bissonnette shared his thoughts about Auston Matthews playing in the 4 Nations Face-Off. Matthews is on Team USA’s finalized roster, announced on December 4, alongside stars like Jack Eichel, Brady Tkachuk and Jack Hughes. However, Matthews’ recent injury raises concerns about his ability to participate.

On the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast on Monday, Bissonnette said that Matthews should skip the tournament and focus on the Maple Leafs’ playoff push. He also suggested that Team Canada’s strength could make it difficult for Team USA to compete. Bissonnette believes that Matthews should save his energy for important games.

“I would say this. … ‘As good of a player as you are, and as a world class talent as you are, save yourself the time of getting embarrassed by Team Canada at the 4 Nations [Face-Off].

“Just sit this one out. Save your energy up for playoffs, the games that matter. F*** the 4 Nation, Canada’s a wagon. Don’t embarrass yourself.’ That’s what I would say, personally, if I was Berube, Shanahan and Tree. I would sit him down now and save him from that,” Bissonette said.

The Maple Leafs center missed his second straight game on Monday in a 5-2 loss to the Jets. Auston Matthews has been managing an upper-body injury since the preseason. Last month, he visited a doctor in Germany, which helped him return briefly, but sustained more hits in a game against Buffalo last week.

Coach Craig Berube highlights Auston Matthews’ rest and recovery need

Despite his injuries, Auston Matthews has stayed productive, scoring 12 points in 11 games since Nov. 30. Coach Craig Berube said that Matthews is resting and hopes he recovers during the break.

“He’s going to rest here over the break and hopefully he comes back in a lot better shape,” Berube said (via NHL.com on Monday). “He gets relief at times, but it’s not good enough.”

Last month, without Auston Matthews, Toronto went 7-2-0, but the team haslost two straight. Coach Craig Berube emphasized the importance of refocusing on their defensive identity.

“We have to get back to our identity a little bit more,” Berube added. “The other thing for me is puck management.”

The Maple Leafs trail the Panthers by two points in the Atlantic Division.

Auston Matthews’ status for Friday’s game against Detroit is uncertain. Nevertheless, Matthews remains vital for Toronto due to his scoring ability and impact on the team’s success.