Real Kyper & Bourne Leafs Hour: Matthews' Recovery Timeline
Mar 20, 2026
Dr. Jason Smith, sports orthopaedic surgeon who treats elite athletes, explains MCL versus ACL differences and why surgery was chosen for Auston Matthews. He walks through healing timelines, surgical rationale and expectations for next-season readiness. Short, clear medical context paired with discussion of recovery timing and long-term outlook.
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Knies' Vague Injury Comments Frustrate Hosts
- Matthew Knies publicly said his injury 'couldn't get much worse' and he planned to play because it wouldn't risk further damage.
- Hosts criticized vague injury language, urging players to be clear: either play fully healthy or step aside.
Why Matthews' MCL Could Heal Differently Than An ACL
- Dr Jason Smith explains MCLs often heal because they sit outside the knee with good blood supply, unlike ACLs which rarely heal on their own.
- He says most MCL tears are non-surgical, but central or tibial-sided tears and associated bone bruises or meniscal/cartilage damage may require repair.
Fixing Matthews Now Protects Next Season
- Jason Smith supports surgery for certain MCL tears to avoid burning summer training time and ensure a controlled rehab timeline.
- He calls the timing “perfect” because surgery now buys months of rehab so Matthews can be 100% by next season.