Maple Leafs captain John Tavares back skating, one week after devastating hit against Canadiens - Toronto Star

Maple Leafs captain John Tavares skated Thursday morning in his first on-ice session, one week after he suffered a concussion and knee injury in Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens.

Tavares took to the ice prior to the Leafs morning skate, and was seen on an overhead TV feed doing laps around the ice on his own. He was then joined by Nick Foligno, who has missed the last two games with an upper body injury.

Tavares’s skate included some light hockey drills, and lasted about 20 minutes before he left the ice.

Tavares’s recovery timeline was initially set at two weeks for his knee injury. There was no timeline given for his concussion.

“I think that’s just good news for us,” Leafs defenceman Justin Holl said after the morning skate.

“Obviously, everyone was very happy to see him. He has a couple of things to work through before being ready (to practise and play), but it was just good to see him out there again. “

Tavares reported to the Leafs practice facility Wednesday to see his teammates. He had been in contact with them virtually on a daily basis since his injuries.

“There’s no real update other than he’s progressing very well,” Leafs’ coach Sheldon Keefe said.

“He’s gone through (concussion protocols) the steps he has to in order to get back on the ice. He looked good out there and felt good coming off the ice. He’s got two different things (knee and concussion) that they’re monitoring, so his progress is good on both fronts.

“Having him back (Wednesday at the practice rink), and being with the guys is big. Having him here today is a great sign too. Since the morning after (his injuries a week ago), it’s been trending towards this. He’s been communicating with the guys a lot since then, and having him here in person is a great lift for the guys.”

Seeing both players active — especially their captain — could give the team a boost when the Leafs play the Canadiens on Thursday night at the Scotiabank Arena.

A win by the Leafs would eliminate the Canadiens, setting up a North Division final between Toronto and Winnipeg.

The league has not released a schedule for the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

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With files from Kevin McGran

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2021-05-27 14:30:12Z
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