Tavares left follow favoring his proper leg after getting tousled with defenseman Chris Tanev throughout a power-play drill. The team later said he’ll be evaluated on a week-to-week foundation.
It’s a giant blow for the Leafs down the center, particularly, but additionally for the ahead group as a complete, which was as wholesome because it had been all season, save for the lingering absence of Calle Jarnkrok after he underwent sports hernia surgery in November.
Tavares had been working chilly earlier than the harm, going with no level in his final three video games, however he nonetheless ranks second on the membership in each targets (20) and assists (22) as he seems to be replenished following a making an attempt 2023-24 marketing campaign. His normal line with Max Pacioretty and William Nylander has outscored opponents 9-7 at even energy in over 155 minutes collectively this season.
Whoever strikes as much as change Tavares down the center on the second line stays to be seen. It may very well be the 20-year-old Minten, who didn’t look totally misplaced throughout a call-up earlier this season with a pair of targets and assists for 4 factors in 11 video games.
His possession numbers weren’t good, solely controlling 39.9 p.c of shot makes an attempt at even energy, however these ought to be boosted if he’s enjoying with higher competitors. His minutes earlier this season primarily got here between Steven Lorentz and Nicholas Robertson whereas Toronto was coping with accidents to just about half its ahead group.
It is also an opportunity to jump-start the struggling Max Domi, who’s capturing at an abysmal 5.5 p.c for simply three targets by way of 37 video games. He’s nonetheless managed 12 assists for 15 factors, tying for eighth on the group in scoring, however it’s not the manufacturing the Leafs envisioned from the 29-year-old after they signed him to a four-year, $15M extension final offseason.
In any occasion, the Leafs are actually with out the providers of one among their high point-getters as they give the impression of being to reverse a three-game shedding streak towards former head coach Sheldon Keefe on Thursday night time. After Thursday night time, three of their subsequent 4 video games are towards divisional opponents, they usually’re all potential playoff previews towards the Lightning, Canadiens and Senators.
Minten, chosen thirty eighth total in 2022, has 10 factors and a -4 ranking in 16 AHL appearances this season. He missed vital time firstly of the marketing campaign with a excessive ankle sprain suffered in rookie camp.
