Auston Matthews trade rumors (Getty Images)Auston Matthews took another big step in his recovery Saturday, taking part in his first public session on the ice since having knee surgery in March. The Toronto Maple Leafs captain joined a handful of NHL players to skate in the first Sun Devil Hockey Pro Camp in Arizona.The appearance comes several months after Matthews suffered a Grade 3 MCL tear and quadriceps contusion during a regular-season game against the Anaheim Ducks. The injury cut short his 2025-26 season after 60 games and left his availability for the upcoming NHL season in doubt.Is Auston Matthews ready to return for the 2026-27 NHL season?Toronto captain Auston Matthews was back on the ice in Arizona as he continues to prepare for the 2026-27 NHL season.Matthews was seen on the ice at the Sun Devil Hockey Pro Camp in Tempe, Arizona on Tuesday. The camp gave the first widely distributed public footage of the star center skating since his injury and surgery in March.It’s a big development for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who will count on Matthews heavily when the new NHL season opens. Matthews was injured in March during a game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks after colliding knee-on-knee with Radko Gudas. Toronto Maple Leafs captain needed help off the ice and was later ruled out for the rest of the season. Gudas received a five-game suspension because of the play. Matthews ended the truncated campaign with 27 goals and 26 assists for 53 points in 60 games.How important is Auston Matthews’ return to the Maple Leafs?Matthews' return to skating is an encouraging sign that his rehab is moving forward with an eye toward the start of the 2026-27 NHL season. The Maple Leafs will need their captain to be healthy again after a season that has been hampered by injury. Matthews remains the primary focus of the team’s offensive attack, and his availability could mean a lot for Toronto’s regular season aspirations. Matthews’ public ice appearance doesn’t mean he has been given full medical clearance to play in games. But a structured hockey camp is a big step up from his off-season rehab. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Auston Matthews will continue to build his conditioning in preparation for training camp and the 2026-27 NHL season. The next major checkpoint will be the team’s official training camp, when his skating workload and overall readiness should give a better idea of his status.The priority for Toronto is getting Matthews back to full health rather than rushing him back. Nevertheless, his most recent outing is a positive sign after missing a few months of competitive hockey.