Auston Matthews replacements: Top 3 candidates to fill Maple Leafs star's void in game against Bruins

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is sidelined from tonight's game against the Boston Bruins with what is being categorized as an upper-body injury. While Matthews has had a slow start to the year, this hasn't been the first time we've heard mention of an upper-body injury to the three-time Maurice Richard Trophy winner.

Back in late September, before the start of the season, Matthews unexpectedly left practice early. While it was unclear what exactly happened, or what was bothering the seven-time All-Star, coach Craig Berube described the problem as an upper-body injury.

While Auston Matthews isn't expected to be sidelined for long, and is currently listed as day-to-day, the Maple Leafs will have to fill the void left by their captain tonight.

Top 3 candidates to fill void left by Auston Matthews in game against Bruins

#1: Max Domi

NHL: Tampa Bay Lightning at Toronto Maple Leafs - Image Source: Imagn

During practice on Tuesday morning, Berube went to Max Domi as the team's starting center. Given that, the expectation is that he will start tonight. While speaking with media members on Tuesday morning, Domi emphasized that although he's starting, tonight's game will be no different than any other game.

In addition, he also explained that over the course of an 82-game season, the team knows that they'll be without some of their players from time-to-time. Although the loss of Auston Matthews hurts more than other potential losses, it's business as usual for Domi.

#2: John Tavares

NHL: St. Louis Blues at Toronto Maple Leafs - Image Source: Imagn

While Max Domi replaces Matthews on the first line, John Tavares replaced Matthews on the team's power play unit during Tuesday's practice. While typically Matthews joins Morgan Rielly, Mitch Marner, Matthew Knies and William Nylander on the team's first power play unit, former captain John Tavares will now step in.

Considering the Maple Leafs are ranked 29th (out of 32) in the NHL's power play goals stat this season, a new look with Tavares could be just what Toronto needs.

#3: Pontus Holmberg

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Boston Bruins at Toronto Maple Leafs - Image Source: Imagn

While Max Domi is set to start in Auston Matthews' place tonight, if Domi, who has a 49.5% face-off win percentage winds up struggling when it comes to handling face-off duties, Berube could go to Holmberg.

Although he's young, and is in his first full season in the NHL after splitting time between the Maple Leafs and the Marlies last season, he's shown growth on both offense and defense. Currently, Holmberg has a 53.8% win percentage when it comes to face-offs, winning 28 of his 52 attempts.