Maple Leafs Center Exits Practice With Injury

A top center for the Toronto Maple Leafs exited practice due to an injury.

Jan 2, 2025; Elmont, New York, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares (91) controls the puck against New York Islanders defenseman Adam Pelech (3) during the third period at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Shortly after Auston Matthews returned to game action for the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team is now facing the possibility of having another top center out of the lineup. During the team's off-day practice session, one of their best players left the ice due to an apparent injury.

While the Maple Leafs were working on their special teams, center John Tavares went down along the boards. He stayed down on the ice for a few moments before being assisted off the ice, visibly uncomfortable.

Following practice, the team's head coach didn't have any specific update. Coach Craig Berube informed the Toronto media that Tavares was being evaluated for injury and there was no official diagnosis or timetable for his return. TSN's Mark Masters shared a clip from the team's practice that shows the moment Tavares was injured.

Here’s the John Tavares injury from today’s practice

Coach Craig Berube didn’t have an update yet

“He’s being evaluated” @TSN_Sports pic.twitter.com/qFkZX93Pdg

— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) January 15, 2025

If Tavares does miss any time, it will be another significant blow for a forward in Toronto. Matthews has been dealing with a lingering upper-body injury since training camp and it has the possibility of bothering him all season long, The team is hoping to avoid any such similarities for their other top center.

The injury also disrupts an excellent campaign for Tavares, who is in a contract year himself. The 34-year-old is in the final season of the seven-year, $77 million deal he signed back in 2018, and there is hope that the Leafs can bring him back beyond 2025.

Tavares has been excellent in 2024-2025, and he's likely staring down a substantial final contract in the NHL. Through 44 games, he has 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points, ranking second on the team in goals and third in points. He's been crucial while Matthews bounces in and out of the lineup and remains one of their most important players.

Make sure you bookmark Breakaway On SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

• Penguins Committing to Prospect Goalie at NHL Level
• Jets and Blackhawks Swap Young Defensemen
• Penguins Reach Breaking Point With Tristan Jarry
• Flames Have No Interest in Trading Key Defenseman
• NHL Power Rankings: Capitals Retake Top Spot