Toronto Maple Leafs Forward John Tavares Sidelined Week-to-Week
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares is out week-to-week with a lower-body injury following a collision during a game against the Buffalo Sabres, the team announced on Saturday. TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported that Tavares will miss closer to two to three weeks of action.
The injury occurred early in the third period of the Maple Leafs‘ 5-4 overtime loss to Buffalo on Thursday. Tavares collided awkwardly with Sabres forward Josh Norris during an offensive zone possession. Tavares remained down on the ice before skating off while favoring his left leg.
Tavares had moved over to left wing from his usual center spot to play on a newly formed second line alongside center Nick Paul and right winger Kirill Marchenko. He had registered two assists before exiting the game, bringing his season totals to two goals and seven points through seven games.
John Tavares is out week to week with a lower-body injury.
Lineup Adjustments and Power-Play Shuffling in Toronto
Head coach Jim Hiller adjusted his lineup during Saturday’s morning skate to account for the absence of Tavares. Nick Paul slotted in as the team’s second-line center between Easton Cowan and Kirill Marchenko. Meanwhile, rookie Gavin McKenna took Tavares’ spot on the top power-play unit alongside Darren Raddysh, Auston Matthews, and William Nylander.
Tavares joins rugged blue-liner Chris Tanev on the Maple Leafs’ injury report as the team prepares to face the New York Islanders on Rogers Saturday Night Hockey. Tanev is also out week-to-week with an upper-body injury sustained against the Colorado Avalanche, though he returned to the ice for a solo skate Saturday alongside skills coach Nik Antropov. The Maple Leafs are already playing without forwards Max Domi and Dakota Joshua.
The Leafs are listing John Tavares as week to week with a lower-body injury.According to the team, the “week to week” designation means an absence of up to six weeks.
Historical Durability and Recent Injury Precedents for Tavares
The 36-year-old has been a remarkably durable presence for his hometown team. Over the past five seasons, Tavares has missed just 14 games total and played in all 82 games last season, recording 31 goals and 40 assists to finish second on the team with 71 points.
Tavares previously suffered a lower-body injury in January 2025 resulting from an accidental practice collision with teammate Chris Tanev, which also sidelined him on a week-to-week basis. Despite occasional setbacks, Tavares has amassed 255 goals and 314 assists for 569 points in 603 games since signing a seven-year, $77 million contract with Toronto as an unrestricted free agent in July 2018.
No update on John Tavares.
Sabres Forward Josh Norris Also Enters Protocol Following Collision
The collision that injured Tavares also impacted the Buffalo Sabres. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff confirmed that Josh Norris entered concussion protocol following the game. Norris fell over Toronto defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson later in the contest and left the ice during overtime.
Norris has struggled with injuries throughout his career. The 27-year-old forward has logged two points across eight games in the current season.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Injuries
When did John Tavares sustain his lower-body injury?
Tavares was injured early in the third period of Thursday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres during an awkward collision with Josh Norris.
How many games has John Tavares played this season?
Tavares has appeared in seven games for the Maple Leafs this season, recording two goals and seven points before his departure.
John Tavares needed assistance getting off the ice after an awkward collision with Josh Norris 🤕 pic.twitter.com/A7Cdv9irYk
Who is stepping into the top power-play role in his absence?
Rookie Gavin McKenna took Tavares’ spot on the top power-play unit alongside Darren Raddysh, Auston Matthews, and William Nylander during Saturday’s skate.
What is Chris Tanev’s current recovery status?
Tanev is out week-to-week with an upper-body injury sustained against the Colorado Avalanche, but he returned to the ice for a solo skate Saturday alongside skills coach Nik Antropov.
Tough blow for the Leafs as John Tavares is week-to-week with a lower-body injury. pic.twitter.com/eqaEFwp62E
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