While all the buzz leading up to Wednesday’s training camp practice for the Toronto Maple Leafs was about Auston Matthews, the team quietly got some good news on the injury front.

Not listed on Wednesday's practice roster, goaltender Frederik Andersen appeared in full gear with Antoine Bibeau and Jhonas Enroth to start the second session of the day. He participated fully in the hour-long practice, looking comfortable in the crease.

It was less than a month ago that Andersen was run into by his own teammate while playing for Denmark in an Olympic qualifier and suffered a right shoulder injury. That ended his World Cup of Hockey plans and put the netminder out of action for an estimated three to four weeks.

“I’m feeling good, progressing pretty good, inching [closer] to getting back,” Andersen said. “Still day-to-day, but it’s been going really good. Feeling strong and working really hard in the gym too to get back. Today was another step forward.”

Before they drafted Matthews in June, the Maple Leafs made waves when they acquired Andersen in a trade with the Anaheim Ducks and immediately signed him to a five-year, $25-million contract extension. Andersen split time for most of last season in Anaheim with John Gibson, raising some questions about his ability to carry the load as the number one goalie for the Leafs.

The surprise appearance on Wednesday lessened concerns Andersen won’t be ready for the regular season. Just like for Matthews, the practice was a chance for him to skate with many guys he’s only recently met. Also like Matthews, Andersen’s reputation has seemingly preceded him.

“Everybody that I’ve talked to about him has nothing but good things to say about him,” defenceman Morgan Rielly said. “How hard he works, how good he wants to be, how good he can be and just what kind of person he is. That speaks volumes about a person; that his old teammates had those types of things to say about him. Moving forward he’s going to be a big part of this as well.”

The opportunity to actually face fire from his teammates is a step Andersen was glad to make as his recovery continues. A timetable for his return is still being determined.

“It was good to be back competing with the guys. I had [goalie coach] Steve [Briere] shoot on me a lot, but it’s more fun to compete with all the guys,” he said.

When Andersen will make his Maple Leafs debut remains to be seen, he’s enthusiastic to do his part to help a team that finished in 30th place last year have a bounce-back season.

“I’m really excited about this year and being able to play in this franchise,” Andersen said. “It’s going to be a really cool experience. I’m looking forward to getting this team back in the playoffs. That’s the first goal and everyone has been working really hard this summer toward that goal.”