Tavares helped off after collision in Maple Leafs' loss to Sabres
John Tavares left Toronto's home game against Buffalo in the third period after Josh Norris slid into his legs. He was assisted off the ice by Jake McCabe and had recorded two assists before the injury. The 36-year-old was playing left wing on a new second line and has two goals and five assists in seven games this season.
John Tavares exited Toronto’s Thursday home matchup with Buffalo in the third period. After Josh Norris made contact with his legs, Tavares remained on the ice before Jake McCabe helped him skate off. He had already contributed two assists.
The 36-year-old was skating left wing on a new second line with Nick Paul and Kirill Marchenko. Through seven games this season, he had two goals and five assists. Last year, he appeared in all 82 contests and posted 31 goals, 40 assists and 71 points, second-most on the club.
The injury could affect Toronto’s forward depth and how the club manages its new second line, while teammates and fans may feel concern for Tavares’s health. If he misses time, it may also renew broader conversations about collision risks in hockey and player safety, though the severity remains unclear.