- John Tavares is day to day and could return Saturday against the Canadiens
- He has missed eight games since a collision with Josh Norris on Oct. 15
- Read below for what Jim Hiller said and what Tavares must clear Friday
John Tavares could be back in the Maple Leafs lineup Saturday.
Toronto upgraded the center to day to day Wednesday after he practiced and head coach Jim Hiller liked what he saw. Hiller said Tavares looked “really good” and could return for the Canadiens game at Scotiabank Arena if he gets through Friday’s practice.
Tavares went down in the third period against Buffalo after a collision with Sabres forward Josh Norris. He has been week to week since and has missed the Leafs’ past eight games.
Hiller talked about the next step after practice and kept the plan simple.
“I’m sure he was excited to get out there and compete with the guys,” Hiller said. “But he had a really good practice. Tomorrow is an off day for us, and we have a good practice on Friday, so he’ll have to practice Friday and pass that test and hopefully he does. And then I’d like to see him if we can.”
Here’s the update from practice:
Tavares still wore a red no-contact jersey Wednesday, but he skated on a line with Nick Paul and William Nylander. That’s a first look at where he slots in once he’s cleared.
He had seven points (two goals, five assists) in seven games before the injury. The Leafs have missed him, and Kirill Marchenko’s injury took another forward out of the lineup. Toronto then lost 3-2 to Utah on Tuesday in the first game of a six-game homestand.
Friday’s practice is the final test. If Tavares passes it, he returns against Montreal.
