Maple Leafs dealt huge blow after injury to John Tavares
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
John Tavares gave the Toronto Maple Leafs a scare Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena. According to TSN, the veteran centre went to the locker room after an awkward collision with Buffalo Sabres forward Josh Norris, leaving his status for the rest of the game up in the air.
Neither team had released a medical update at the time of writing, so the severity of the injury is unknown. Toronto has not said whether Tavares will return, and the Leafs will be hoping the collision turns out to be minor.
Tavares Was Playing Well Before the Incident
Tavares had been a driving force for Toronto up to that point. The 36-year-old collected two assists, both on goals by Kirill Marchenko, including one on the power play.
The two have found chemistry since the Leafs shuffled their lines following Tuesday's 5-4 loss in Utah, with Nick Paul joining them on the second line. Toronto led 4-2 after two periods.
The timing is far from ideal. Toronto entered the night at 3-3-1 after a western road trip that produced only three points, and the club needed a win to settle things down.
Tavares came in with five points in six games, and losing a second-line centre would stretch a lineup that is still finding its footing.
What the Leafs Do If He Is Out
If Tavares has to sit, Toronto has options. Auston Matthews, William Nylander and Jack Roslovic form the top line, while Gavin McKenna, Nick Paul, Colton Sissons and Easton Cowan could all see added responsibility.
Marchenko, who has three goals on the night, would also lose his most frequent setup man.
Tavares remains a respected voice in the Leafs dressing room, serving as an alternate captain after wearing the C from 2019 through 2024. His experience and faceoff ability, which sits near 58 percent this season, are hard to replace on short notice.
Leafs fans will be watching closely for an update from the team, and more details are expected once Toronto speaks about his condition. Stay tuned for further developments on Tavares and the Maple Leafs.
Also read on House Of Hockey :
Maple Leafs & Canucks complete blockbuster deal for 6-foot-2 center
Maple Leafs & Canucks complete blockbuster deal for 6-foot-2 center