John Tavares is on the doorstep of a Maple Leafs return.
Three weeks after he went down with an injury, Tavares was back on the ice at practice on Friday and looked ready to rejoin the lineup. The veteran center had been sidelined since Oct. 15, when an awkward collision with Josh Norris knocked him out of a tough matchup with the Buffalo Sabres.
At the time, Tavares was handed a week-to-week designation. There was hope for a quicker turnaround, but the former captain has now missed several weeks and finally appears to be moving back toward game action.
His return to practice came as Toronto prepared for a weekend back-to-back that begins with Montreal on Saturday night, a game that carries major importance for the club. Tavares skated in a regular practice jersey, a strong sign that he is nearing full availability.
If he’s cleared to play, the expectation is that he’ll slide right back into the 2C role he held before the injury. Nick Paul filled that spot well in his absence and would likely move back to the 3C position, skating with Colton Sissons and either Vinni Lettieri or Dakota Joshua.
Before getting hurt, Tavares had seven points in seven games and was driving the offense effectively.
His return should also be a welcome sight for Gavin McKenna, who stands to benefit more than anyone. McKenna is close with Tavares, and his role has been inconsistent since No. 91 went down. The night Tavares left the lineup, McKenna was benched as well.
With Tavares back, there’s a good chance Hiller will at least take another look at the early-season McKenna-Tavares-Nylander line, even if that group can leave the defense exposed. The blue line will have to stay sharp if that trio is reunited.
Still, the bigger point is simple: Tavares gives McKenna more than a familiar linemate. He gives him a calming presence.
Auston Matthews and the other veterans have helped McKenna along, but his connection with Tavares runs deeper. The two are especially close, even checking out a junior hockey game together like a father and son.
That bond is exactly what the Maple Leafs can lean on now, and with Tavares edging closer to a return this weekend, they may finally get that chance.
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