The Toronto Maple Leafs released an injury update on former captain John Tavares, days after Auston Matthews returned to action for the 2024-25 NHL season.

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.

Does John Tavares get enough love from Toronto Maple Leafs fans? It would seem that Nick Kypreos doesn’t think so. During a recent Real Kyper and Bourne episode, hosts Kypreos and Justin Bourne discussed how much the Maple Leafs will miss their ex-captain.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares has been formally listed as week-to-week in his recovery from a lower-body injury suffered in Wednesday’s practice, and Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli provided a more detailed timeline on Friday.

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube addressed the team’s challenge without their veteran leader ahead of their victory over the Devils. “We’re going to miss everything,” Berube said. “His production, his leadership, his all-situations play. It’s unfortunate — just bad luck in practice. But we have to move on.”

John Tavares is week to week for the Toronto Maple Leafs with a lower-body injury and was placed on injured reserve Thursday. The center left practice early Wednesday after he took an awkward fall along the boards during a power-play drill.

The Maple Leafs have placed John Tavares on injured reserve with a lower-body injury that he suffered in practice

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body ailment on Thursday and is considered week-to-week, head coach Craig Berube said.

Tavares’ injury is certainly concerning with the week-to-week designation. Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported that Tavares is facing a 2-3 week timeline for his recovery and if that’s the case, he could benefit from some extended rest during the 4 Nations Face-Off.

McMann's goal jumpstarted the Maple Leafs' offense to score seven unanswered goals to defeat the Canadiens 7-3.

Benoit didn't skate on a pairing Saturday morning and will be scratched for the second of four meetings between the two teams in Montreal.