The Toronto Maple Leafs announced that forward John Tavares won’t be playing on Saturday as they prepare to take on the Colorado Avalanche, one of their biggest challenges this season.
Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller shared with Travelling Reports that Tavares has returned to Toronto because his family just welcomed their new son, Tucker. “John is a proud father again. Great news there. Tucker Tavares, a 10-pounder. We’ve got ourselves a power forward on the way,” Hiller stated to reporters.
Hiller also noted that the team had been informed that the birth could happen during their road trip, and they’re unsure when Tavares will be back in the lineup. “Yeah, we’ve been aware. It could’ve been any day, but he came out and wanted to play with his team, and then headed back. I don’t know exactly. We’ll see how things go at home. I wouldn’t expect him to play tomorrow.”
Maple Leafs Call Up Miles Wood in Place of Tavares
Miles Wood has been called up from the Toronto Marlies to fill in for Tavares; however, it’s still unclear if he will make it into the Maple Leafs’ lineup. With Zack Mac Ewen also on the roster in Colorado, decisions about who plays may not be known until game time. The Maple Leafs picked up Wood as part of the Kirill Marchenko and Matthew Knies trade just one day before opening night.
Tavares has been centering the second line for the Maple Leafs alongside Gavin Mc Kenna and William Nylander. Easton Cowan has also seen time in the top six during this early part of the season while Nylander has played on Toronto’s top line with Auston Matthews. During Friday’s practice, Nick Paul stepped into Tavares’ position alongside Nylander and Cowan while Mc Kenna played with Colton Sissons and Bo Groulx.
Hiller commented on Paul stepping up and why he’s getting this chance to center the second line for Saturday’s game.
Nick Paul Takes Over Second Line Duties
“First of all, it’s great having extra centers who can step in when needed. Pauly and Sis have played together before. We lose John, so we have him ready to slide in.”
“One, I’m just thankful for our depth at center position. Two, I think Paul has really performed well this year. We’ve liked how he’s worked with Sissons whether it’s been Mc Kenna or Cowan. They’ve shown solid defensive play while also being a threat offensively.”
Tavares’ household is likely buzzing more than usual now since he’s hosting Mc Kenna throughout his rookie NHL season. The veteran player has taken on a leadership role within the Maple Leafs over recent seasons and aims to help them get back into playoff contention after missing out for the first time in ten years during last season’s 2025-26 campaign.
The Maple Leafs are set to conclude their road trip against the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday; whether or not Tavares returns remains uncertain as his focus is currently on family matters.
This article was originally on HEAVY
The post Maple Leafs Announce Major Player Absence Ahead of Avalanche Showdown appeared first on HEAVY.
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