The Toronto Maple Leafs were dealt an unfortunate blow on Thursday, placing former captain John Tavares on injured reserve a day after the 34-year-old was forced to leave practice early.
Toronto recalled Fraser Minten from the Marlies of the AHL in a corresponding move.
The injury seemed to occur when Tavares’ and defenceman Chris Tanev’s skates got tangled in the corner, causing the forward’s legs to stretch awkwardly apart.
Tavares stayed down on the ice for a few moments before getting up, skating off the ice and heading to the dressing room under his own power.
With the lower-body injury, Tavares will now be out for at least one week.
Losing Tavares significantly impacts the Maple Leafs, as the former captain has been a force this season, scoring 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points in 44 games.
Tavares finished last season with 29 goals and 36 assists for 65 points in 80 games. The Mississauga native relinquished the captaincy to Auston Matthews before this season.
The Leafs have also been without defencemen Jake McCabe, Jani Hakanpaa and goalie Anthony Stolarz. McCabe could play as soon as tonight.
Minten, 20, returns to the Leafs following an 11-game stint earlier this season. He recorded two goals and four points. The second-round draft pick from 2022 has put up five goals and 10 points across 16 games with the Marlies.
In the midst of a three-game losing streak, the Maple Leafs host former head coach Sheldon Keefe and the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night.
With files from Sportsnet staff
