What Happened
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Saturday that veteran forward John Tavares is sidelined on a week-to-week basis with a lower-body injury. According to the team, the centerman could miss a period of up to six weeks. Tavares sustained the injury early in the third period during a matchup against the Buffalo Sabres after an awkward collision with Josh Norris. Tavares fell to the ice in visible pain and required assistance from a trainer to reach the dressing room. He has accumulated two goals and five assists across seven appearances this season, having also missed a contest earlier in the week due to the birth of his son.
Key Details
- Tavares is listed as week-to-week and could miss up to six weeks.
- The injury happened Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres after colliding with Josh Norris.
- Tavares has two goals and five assists in seven games this season.
- Chris Tanev is also currently on the Toronto injury report.
What It Means
The loss of Tavares removes a key veteran presence from the Toronto lineup as the team prepares to face the New York Islanders. Tavares has historically been durable during his tenure with the Maple Leafs, missing only 14 total games over the past five seasons while playing in all 82 games last year.
What's Next
The Maple Leafs play the New York Islanders on Rogers Saturday Night Hockey. The team has not yet announced who will replace Tavares in the lineup.