Speculation has swirled for the past few days over whether Auston Matthews should suit up or take a breather when the Toronto Maple Leafs return to NHL action against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Fresh off captaining Team USA to a gold medal at the Winter Olympic Games, Matthews has hardly had a quiet moment; celebrating with teammates, making media rounds, and even being honored at the White House for the team's achievement.
With emotions high and the spotlight still bright, the question facing Matthews now is simple but significant: jump right back into the lineup against Tampa Bay, or sit out and recharge before the stretch run begins.