Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews will not play for U.S. at worlds

Toronto Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews (34) and winger William Nylander. (Nathan Denette/CP)

Toronto Maple Leafs star centre Auston Matthews will not play for the U.S. at the upcoming world hockey championship in Slovakia, Sportsnet’s John Shannon reported Tuesday.

The 21-year-old suited up in 68 games this season after missing 14 because of a left shoulder injury early in the campaign. Matthews recorded a career-high 73 points.

Matthews skipped the last two world championships, but represented the U.S. at the 2015 and 2016 world junior tournaments.

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