Matthews Just Opened Up About His COVID-19 Experience & His Teammates Say It Was No Joke

As the Maple Leafs continue to practice for the upcoming season, one star admits that he had to take a break. Maple Leafs' Auston Matthews revealed that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and had to take some time off to recover. His teammates have also stated that it was no joke. 

Matthews' positive COVID-19 test was first reported by the Toronto Sun back in June. However, the player didn't confirm the news until July 13.

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According to the Canadian Press via CP24, Matthews confirmed that he had tested positive when home in Arizona.

 The 22-year-old mistakenly assumed that he was in "the safest place" he could be. 

However, despite the positive test results, he stated that for the most part, he felt okay. 

“(It) didn't really enter my training. I was able to do stuff at home, obviously wasn't able to leave or skate or anything."

“That's really the only thing that took a hit for me. I was skating beforehand, and having to take 2 1/2, three weeks off the ice catches up to you, but pretty much asymptomatic, felt for the most part pretty normal for the two weeks. I did my quarantine and I'm feeling healthy now, so it's all good,” he continued. 

While Matthews seemed to take the news of his COVID-19 diagnosis pretty well, some of his teammates seemed to take the news a bit harder. 

In an interview, Mitch Marner seemed concerned for his fellow player. 

The 23-year-old immediately texted his friend after learning the news, who he says took the whole thing like a champ.

"This virus is not a joke and something you can't take lightly. He was feeling well and not really feeling many of the symptoms. It's great to have him back out there," Marner said.

On July 26, the Maple Leafs will be returning to the 6ix and will be staying at the  Fairmont Royal York as they get ready to hit the ice. 

According to Insider Trading, games are reportedly set to take place on July 31.