John Tavares Lands on Injured Reserve; Leafs Announce Rookie Recalled From Marlies
The Maple Leafs have placed forward John Tavares on injured reserve ahead of their game against the New Jersey Devils and have confirmed the recall of rookie Fraser Minten from the Toronto Marlies.
Near the end of practice yesterday, during a power play drill, Tavares and defenseman Chris Tanev clipped skates in the corner, leading to Tavares falling awkwardly and being forced to leave, favouring his right leg.
After practice, head coach Craig Berube didn't have much of an update, noting that he didn't see the play and that Tavares was being evaluated. It would appear that after further evaluation that Tavares will need some recovery time as the club placed him on injured reserve on Thursday morning.
In placing Tavares on injured reserve, the Leafs made a secondary move, recalling rookie Fraser Minten from the AHL's Toronto Marlies.
Minten's recall shouldn't come as a surprise, given that GM Brad Treliving said he would be back when they sent him down to the Marlies in December once they returned to full health up front.
Although the Leafs have a pair of forwards that could be inserted into the lineup ahead of Minten in Connor Dewar and Ryan Reaves, this is an opportunity for the Leafs to see just how desperate they need to be at the deadline to obtain another centerman.
In his first stint with the Leafs this season, the 20-year-old skated in 11 games and tallied 2 goals and 4 points. In 16 games with the Marlies, Minten has produced an additional 5 goals and 10 points.
