Leafs place John Tavares on injured reserve; Fraser Minten called up
Concerning news for one of the Toronto Maple Leafs “Core Four.”
On Thursday, the team announced that forward John Tavares has been placed on injured reserve with a lower-body injury. In a corresponding move, the Maple Leafs called forward Fraser Minten up from their American Hockey League affiliate, the Toronto Marlies.
Tavares was hurt during practice on Wednesday. During a power play drill, the Mississauga native was awkwardly tangled up with defenseman Chris Tanev, before falling to the ice.
John Tavares left Maple Leafs practice early after getting hurt during a power-play drill
Craig Berube says he's still being evaluated pic.twitter.com/LEahoaU6C7
The former Leafs captain was able to skate off the ice under his own power, but he didn’t return to practice.
Per the league’s IR rules, Tavares must be out of the lineup for at least seven days. That means he will be ineligible to return to the lineup next Saturday, Jan. 25, when the Leafs take on the Ottawa Senators.
Tavares has only missed one game so far this season, appearing in 44 games. The 34-year-old is second on the team in goals (20) and third in points (42), trailing teammates Mitch Marner and William Nylander in total scoring.
Minten has already seen some time in the NHL this season. In 11 games with the Leafs, the 20-year-old has potted two goals and two assists for four points. He last saw action on Dec. 14 in a 4-2 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.
Since returning to the AHL, Minten has registered three goals and three assists for six points in 11 games. In 16 total games with the Marlies, the Vancouver native has potted five goals and five assists for 10 points.
The Maple Leafs (27-16-2) are first in the Atlantic Division, one point ahead of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.