During a drill toward the end of practice on Wednesday, John Tavares tangled up with defenceman Chris Tanev and ended up falling awkwardly to the ice.
Tavares remained on the ice for a moment before skating off while bent over in discomfort. The situation appeared serious. About 24 hours later, the Maple Leafs provided the first diagnosis.
Maple Leafs F John Tavares has been placed on IR (lower body).
F Fraser Minten has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) January 16, 2025
The 34-year-old has been placed on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury that will keep him sidelined for at least a week. “It’s unfortunate,” said Toronto head coach Craig Berube on Thursday morning.
It’s just bad luck, but we have to move forward from it.” Tavares has recorded 20 goals and 22 assists for a total of 42 points in 44 games this season after handing the captaincy over to teammate Auston Matthews during the summer. “He’s consistently been himself the entire time I’ve been here,” remarked Toronto defenceman Jake McCabe, who was set to return to the lineup Thursday against the New Jersey Devils after missing four games with his own upper-body injury.
Nothing has changed this year; it’s just more of the same.” Berube noted that Tavares has contributed “everything” thus far in the 2024-25 season. “You can see his production, leadership, and how he handles every situation,” said the coach. “He’s done an excellent job for us.” The Leafs also recalled forward Fraser Minten from the American Hockey League as part of Thursday’s adjustments. Minten, 20, has scored two goals and recorded two assists in 15 NHL games. Toronto (27-16-2) is familiar with key injuries this season, having dealt with Matthews missing a total of 15 games earlier due to an upper-body issue. Tavares has helped shoulder that burden. “He’s been huge,” said Leafs winger Bobby McMann.
“He brings it every game, whether he shows up on the scoresheet or not. He’s a great leader every night. “This is definitely a significant loss that will be hard to fill.” Tavares is in the final year of a seven-year, $77 million contract he signed with Toronto during free agency in the summer of 2018. “He’s a vital part of our team,” McCabe stated. “A key component of our locker room. He will certainly be missed.”
Goaltender Anthony Stolarz was back on the ice Thursday as he continues to work his way back from a knee injury.
The 30-year-old has not played since Dec. 12.
The Edison, N.J., native has played 17 games with the Leafs this season, posting a 9-5-2 record, a 2.15 goals-against average, and .927 save percentage.
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