The Toronto Maple Leafs' top six could get a massive boost on Saturday.
Head coach Jim Hiller is hoping to see John Tavares back in the lineup against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday Night Hockey on Sportsnet.
Tavares completed his first practice with the team on Wednesday since suffering a lower-body injury three weeks ago. He was in a non-contact red jersey.
Hiller said Tavares had a "really good practice," and his next step will be another practice on Friday before seeing if he can play on Saturday.
The 36-year-old also participated in a team skate on Tuesday, and his status was updated to day-to-day.
Tavares had two goals and five assists in seven games before his injury.
Elsewhere, Jack Roslovic was absent from practice due to maintenance, per the Maple Leafs.
Roslovic suffered an undisclosed injury near the end of Tuesday's loss to the Utah Mammoth. Following the game, Hiller said something was going on, but he didn't think it was too serious.
The winger scored twice on Tuesday to bring his season totals to eight goals and 10 assists in 17 games.
