How Maple Leafs' John Tavares Stayed On Schedule To Likely Make His Return Against Canadiens

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been without John Tavares for the last eight games with a lower-body injury that he suffered against the Buffalo Sabres on Oct. 15.

After going through the recovery process for about three weeks, the team believes that Tavares could officially return to the lineup on Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens. Furthermore, he skated in the regular practice sweater on Friday after wearing the red non-contact sweater at Tuesday's practice.

"I would think most likely he's going to play," Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller said after practice. "Still have to talk about it, but sure looks like it."

"It's been a good process," Tavares said. "I think it's always challenging when, physically, you're unable to compete and be available. So circumstances are what they are, but I see a lot of credit to our medical performance staff, just around the clock and everything they're doing."

The 36-year-old veteran was slotted on the second line next to Nick Paul and William Nylander as the left winger. He was in that same position in that Sabres game before he was forced off the ice.

With his return to the Leafs' lineup on the horizon, Hiller explained how big a boost Tavares can bring to the lineup. Toronto is 1-3-0 in its last four games, with an 8-7-2 record and sitting just outside of an Eastern Conference wild-card spot.

"Well, he's just another veteran player with a real presence," Hiller said of Tavares. "I think one of the things that we maybe struggled with is O-zone time, pucks, winning puck battles, getting the net front. That's what John does extremely well. So I think  just having that in the room, knowing that's what he gives us on the ice too."

The Leafs' bench boss touched on how the former captain handled his recovery, saying that Tavares was very prepared for the recovery of this injury, and Hiller noted that he's gone through this exact process before.

"I think he's had a similar injury before, he told me," he said. He really knew what to expect, and he knew his timelines. So I don't know if he's ahead of schedule, but he was definitely on schedule, not behind. Felt completely comfortable with it, and worked hard. That's just what John does."

Tavares' durability in his 30s has been an underrated aspect to what he brings as a player. Before this season, he only missed 11 games across the previous four campaigns combined.

This season, Tavares has produced at a point-per-game pace, registering two goals and seven points in as many contests.

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