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John Tavares’ injury could change everything for the Maple Leafs

Taking a look at the state of the Toronto Maple Leafs going forward without their star center John Tavares

By Edward Eng · Editor in Leaf

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 1:31 AM

Key Things to Know

Toronto Maple Leafs center John Tavares is sidelined week-to-week following a lower-body injury against the Buffalo Sabres.
Editor In Leaf's Edward Eng argues that losing Tavares will severely undermine Toronto's offensive balance and scoring punch.
Tavares' injury came after a collision with Josh Norris, shortly after winger Kirill Marchenko scored a hat trick beside him.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Toronto Maple Leafs veteran center John Tavares is out week-to-week after suffering a lower-body injury against the Buffalo Sabres. Tavares was hurt during a collision with Sabres center Josh Norris. With Max Domi already on long-term injured reserve, Toronto faces a major absence at center ice.

Writer Edward Eng argues that losing Tavares severely hurts Toronto's offensive depth, enabling opposing teams to concentrate their defense on Auston Matthews. The injury also disrupts promising chemistry between Tavares and Kirill Marchenko, while placing premature scoring pressure on young forwards Easton Cowan and Gavin McKenna.

Read the full article on Editor in Leaf

John Tavares’ injury could change everything for the Maple Leafs

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