Leafs hope Auston Matthews will return to face Blackhawks

Auston Matthews is expected to return from a sprained knee for the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night for the game against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks.

Matthews, who is tied for third on the team with 53 points, has not played since Jan. 25, when he sustained the injury in warmups beforea 3-2 overtime win against the visiting New York Rangers. He still played in that contest but aggravated the ailment.

The Leafs