‘We Might Be Looking At Two To Four Weeks’: Maple Leafs’ John Tavares Labeled Week-To-Week, Exact Timeline Remains Uncertain

Tavares will miss at least seven days after landing on injured reserve on Thursday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Thursday morning that forward John Tavares has been placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next three games. Officially labeled as week-to-week, the 34-year-old will be unavailable for the foreseeable future, further testing the team’s depth amidst a season plagued by injuries.

Tavares sustained the injury toward the end of Wednesday’s practice during a power-play drill. Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev appeared to clip Tavares’ skate, causing him to fall awkwardly in the corner. Tavares left the ice immediately, visibly in pain, and his absence was confirmed shortly thereafter.

On Thursday, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun provided further insight into Tavares’ potential timeline on TSN’s Insider Trading.

“Officially, the Leafs just said he’s on IR, which means a minimum of one week out. What I was told early on Wednesday night was that we might be looking at two to four weeks for John Tavares to be out,” LeBrun explained. 

LeBrun also noted there was some optimism Thursday morning that the timeline could end up being shorter, but the team won’t know for sure until seven to ten days from now.

“There seemed to be a little more optimism on Thursday morning that perhaps there could be less than that. But really the key piece of information here Gino is that the Leafs will have a better idea in seven to 10 days where Tavares is at,” said LeBrun.

“Until then, it’s a bit of guesswork. But, I will guess, and my guess is at least two weeks here for Tavares and we’ll see in seven to 10 days where he is at,” he added. 

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General manager Brad Treliving confirmed that the club was looking to bolster its center depth earlier in the week before the injury to Tavares had occurred. According to LeBrun, the setback does not alter his plans to target a centerman before the March 7 trade deadline.

“Leafs GM Brad Treliving confirmed it with media this week that he’s on the lookout for a center before the March 7 trade deadline, the Tavares injury does not impact this at all,” LeBrun explained. “I mean, he’s going to be back, and where the Leafs end up with a center and trying to trade for a center has no bearing on yet another injury upfront here.”

After Thursday’s optional team skate ahead of their matchup with the New Jersey Devils, head coach Craig Berube said the injury to Tavares was nothing short of bad luck. As the team has posted three straight sluggish performances, losing all three contests, Berube noted the team has to trek forward.

"It's just bad luck. But, you know, it is what it is,” said Berube. “And we've got to move on from it right now."

Tavares has been instrumental for the Leafs this season, providing steady production and stepping up in key moments when captain Auston Matthews was unavailable. With 20 goals and 22 assists in 44 games, he has continued to serve as one of Toronto’s most reliable options at center.

The Maple Leafs have battled injuries all season long, particularly among their forwards. Tavares’ absence presents another challenge to the team’s depth amidst a rough stretch of recent games. Without a question, the Leafs will hope to have their full roster healthy sooner rather than later. 

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