NHL Player Safety makes an official decision on Nikita Zadorov's hit on Auston Matthews

During their matchup on Tuesday, in the early minutes of the second period, Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov hit Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews from behind, going headfirst into the boards, and would leave the game shortly after.

Following the play, the NHL Player Safety had the ability to discipline Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov, especially considering Matthews left the game injured.

After passing the 5pm deadline, the league did not announce a hearing, meaning that they thought the hit was clean, and it didn't warrant any discipline.

Today, the Toronto Maple Leafs announced that Auston Matthews' injury isn't "as serious," and he is only going to miss roughly a week with a lower-body injury.

Matthews is the second Leafs player in three days to be injured on a hit by Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov.

In their previous matchup, Zadorov landed a massive hit on Leafs Scott Laughton, causing him to also leave the game with an injury.

Along with that, goaltender Anthony Stolarz also left the game against the Bruins along with captain Auston Matthews.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are already struggling big time with all of their players healthy; losing these key players is really going to affect them.

Currently, the Toronto Maple Leafs sit with a record of 8-8-1 and are 7th in the Atlantic Division, only ahead of the Buffalo Sabres.

This is terrible news for the Maple Leafs, but good news at the same time, as they won't be without their captain for too long.