Toronto Maple Leafs Dealt Blow With John Tavares Injury
Tavares was hurt during a power-play drill when his skates tangled with defenseman Chris Tanev’s, causing him to fall awkwardly into the boards.
Head coach Craig Berube, who admitted he didn’t see the incident, said, “It kind of happened behind the net. He’s being evaluated, and we’re hoping for the best.” Tavares managed to skate off under his own power but was favoring his right leg as he went straight to the dressing room for further assessment.
Maple Leafs F John Tavares has been placed on IR (lower body).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) January 16, 2025
F Fraser Minten has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
Tavares has been a key player for the Maple Leafs this season, with 20 goals and 42 points in 44 games.
The 34-year-old has been enjoying a resurgent campaign, providing reliable scoring and leadership for a team that has faced its share of injuries. He leads the team in faceoff success with a 57 percent win rate and is tied for the lead in power-play goals with seven.
His absence creates a big void in the lineup, prompting the Leafs to recall center Fraser Minten from the AHL to fill the gap temporarily. The team is also considering moving William Nylander or Max Domi to center to adjust for Tavares' absence.
John Tavares suffers an injury during Leafs practice and immediately leaves the ice 😬
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) January 15, 2025
(via @markhmasters)pic.twitter.com/aXYem2EoI6
Before the injury, Tavares had been practicing alongside Max Pacioretty and Nylander, a line that had shown promise.
With Tavares sidelined, the Leafs may also look to Connor Dewar, who has been an extra in recent practices, to bolster their depth.
Meanwhile, defenseman Jake McCabe is nearing a return from an upper-body injury, which could help stabilize the roster as the team prepares to face the New Jersey Devils.
Photo Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
