John Tavares injury raises fears of lengthy absence after doctor's early analysis
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John Tavares left Thursday's loss to Buffalo after colliding with Josh Norris, and early analysis points to possible stress on his right knee and ankle.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are waiting on word about John Tavares after he went down hard early in the third period of Thursday's 5-4 overtime loss to the Buffalo Sabres.
The 36-year-old collided with Josh Norris, who slid into his legs, and needed help getting off the ice.
Coach Jim Hiller had no update after the game.
What the early read suggests
Harjas Grewal shared an early read, noting the angle isn't great, but it looks like inward stress on the right knee and maybe the ankle too.
He explained that mechanism most often causes MCL injuries or high ankle sprains, with timelines of about four to six weeks depending on severity.
A torn ACL is possible as well, though he sees it as less likely for Tavares. Nothing is confirmed yet.
The timing stings. Tavares had two assists before leaving, which gave him two goals and seven points through seven games.
He also played all 82 games last season and finished with 31 goals and 71 points.
Toronto's lineup is already thin
Tavares had shifted to left wing on a new second line with Nick Paul and Kirill Marchenko, and Teddy Blueger took his shifts on that line in the third period.
If he misses time, Colton Sissons and Paul could move further up the lineup.
Saturday's game will be the next test.
For now, the Leafs and their fans are left waiting on an official diagnosis, with a lot riding on whether this turns out to be a short-term issue or something much bigger for a forward who has been remarkably durable.
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