Maple Leafs forward group set to be bolstered by John Tavares’ impending return

Nov 3, 2026, 2:53 PM ET|Comments (0)

from Sportsnet, by Luke Fox,

“Closer. That’s all I can give you, right?” Toronto Maple Leafs coach Jim Hiller said Tuesday morning after his second-line centre’s first appearance at a team skate since going down with injury.

Tavares, the lone Leaf to have perfect 82-game attendance last season, will miss his ninth consecutive game Tuesday versus the Utah Mammoth. He skated well and stayed out late during Toronto’s optional morning skate but was dressed in a red, non-contact sweater as he continues rehabbing the undisclosed lower-body injury he suffered three weeks ago against Buffalo.

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