Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube discussed John Tavares’ injury, as Tavares is now on injured reserve (IR) due to a lower-body problem. The injury occurred during practice on Wednesday, resulting in Tavares being placed on IR.
“Maple Leafs F John Tavares has been placed on IR (lower body). F Fraser Minten has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL),” Leafs PR tweeted on Thursday.
A follow-up tweet provided more information about Tavares’ status.
“F John Tavares is listed as week-to-week,” Leafs PR mentioned.
Tavares has been a key player for the Maple Leafs this season, with 20 goals and 22 assists in 44 games. He has been instrumental in the team’s victories, contributing 34 points in 26 wins. Although his absence will be noticeable, Berube emphasized the need for the team to move forward.
“Yeah, they announced week-to-week right now,” Berube commented on Thursday before the game against the New Jersey Devils. “So, yeah, it’s unfortunate in practice, you know, it’s just, uh, bad luck. But, um, you know, it is what it is, and we got to move on from it right now.”
Berube also praised Tavares’ performance this season.
“Well, everything,” Berube noted. “I mean, I think you see his production and what he’s done and his leadership, and, you know, he’s been an all-situational guy pretty much, and, uh, he’s done a real good job for us.”
The Toronto Maple Leafs currently hold a 27-16-2 record and are at the top of the Atlantic Division with 56 points.
Craig Berube discussed strategies in John Tavares’ absence
Berube highlighted how the Leafs responded well when Auston Matthews was previously injured in the season. He emphasized the importance of sticking to the team game plan moving forward.
“We got to stick with the program (relying on checking) here,” Berube emphasized.
He mentioned that Max Domi would fill Tavares’ position in the top six, noting Domi’s past experience playing with William Nylander and his offensive capabilities.
“I think Max Domi right now for me, moves up there in that spot,” Berube stated. “I’ve used him in up there before with Nylander. So, for me, he’s a guy that can go up there and provide some offense and well playmaking abilities. So we’re going to need that from him.”
Despite Tavares’ injury posing a challenge for Toronto, the team aims to stay competitive during his recovery. With three consecutive losses, the Leafs seek to bounce back against the New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.
Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez
