The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without another important forward for an extended period.
Veteran John Tavares was placed on injured reserve the team announced Thursday, after leaving practice early on Wednesday with an apparent leg injury. The Leafs say Tavares will be listed as week-to-week with the ailment.
Tavares was favouring his right leg after being hurt during a power-play drill.
The team recalled centre Fraser Minten from the AHL with Tavares sidelined.
The injury seemed to occur when Tavares' and defenceman Chris Tanev's skates got tangled in the corner, leading the forward's legs to stretch apart awkwardly.
Tavares stayed down on the ice for a few moments before getting up, skating off the ice and heading to the dressing room under his own power.
Losing Tavares will be a tough blow to the Maple Leafs, as the former captain has been lighting it up this season with 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points in 44 games.
Tavares, 34, finished last season with 29 goals and 36 assists for 65 points in 80 games. The Mississauga, Ont., native relinquished the captaincy to Auston Matthews before this season.
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