The Maple Leafs were dealt a tough blow today when John Tavares left practice early after an awkward collision with teammate Chris Tanev. The team captain was favoring his right leg as he headed to the locker room during a power-play drill.
The Leafs announced they’ll evaluate Tavares week-to-week, a significant setback for a team that was just getting healthy.
Tavares has been a key piece for Toronto this season with 20 goals and 22 assists, second-best on the team in both categories. Though he hadn’t scored in his last three games, he’s been showing renewed energy after a difficult previous season.
His line with Max Pacioretty and William Nylander has been clicking, outscoring opponents 9-7 when playing together at even strength.
So who steps up to fill those big shoes on the second line? One option is Fraser Minten, the promising 20-year-old who already got a taste of NHL action this season. He picked up four points in 11 games during an earlier call-up, including his first two NHL goals.
Minten’s early stats weren’t spectacular – he controlled just 39.9% of shots during his stint. But that’s not surprising given he was playing mostly with bottom-six forwards while the team dealt with injuries.
Another possibility is giving Max Domi a chance to jumpstart his season. The 29-year-old has been snake-bitten, scoring just three goals on 5.5% shooting through 37 games. That’s not what the Leafs were hoping for when they signed him to a four-year, $15 million deal.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Toronto. They’re trying to snap a three-game losing streak and face former coach Sheldon Keefe tomorrow night.
After that, it’s a crucial stretch against division rivals – the Lightning, Canadiens and Senators. All three could be playoff matchups down the road.
Minten, who the Leafs drafted 38th overall in 2022, has put up 10 points in 16 games with the AHL’s Marlies this season. He’s been working his way back from a high ankle sprain suffered during rookie camp.
