John Tavares Back Skating Ahead of Game 5 for Toronto Maple Leafs

He might not be ready to play, but the fact that John Tavares is back on the ice and skating is a great sign. After taking a scary bump in Game 1 versus the Montreal Canadiens, it wasn’t clear when Tavares would return. He was diagnosed with a concussion and a knee injury and there was some talk he’d be out the remainder of the NHL’s postseason. That might still be the case, but he returned to the Maple Leafs on Thursday and was skating on his own, which is great news for Tavares fans.

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Head coach Sheldon Keefe said there’s no real update other than to say he’s progressing very well. Keefe noted that he wasn’t on the ice long today, but that he felt very good. “He’s obviously got two different things that they’re monitoring which is his knee and the concussion, so progress has been very good on both fronts there.” Keefe added that just Tavares coming in and being around the guys was a big deal. To say the least, it will be a boost to their morale and give them some added energy as the Leafs try to eliminate the Canadiens on Thursday night. “Having him in person is a nice lift for the guys,” Keefe added.

Maple Leafs’ Morgan Rielly and Justin Holl discussed how great it is to have Tavares back around the rink. Both said it’s a huge boost for them emotionally and mentally. Rielly said, “We don’t know exactly what his progress or his timeline is, but we’re just happy to see him.”

Elliotte Friedman reports: “Potential next steps for Tavares: light exercise, increasing intensity of workouts one day at a time — if he’s ready for that. May include light skating in coming days. As it is a concussion, will be handled with tremendous care by TOR medical staff and Tavares’ own people.”

Great News, Even If He’s Not Ready This Season

That Tavares is back is great news all the way around, even if he doesn’t see another game this year. The early concern coming out of the hit and him being stretchered off the ice was that the injury might be something incredibly serious and jeopardize his potential to ever return. That he’s skating a week after the injury suggests there’s no concern of that.

Even better news was that Tavares was joined by Nick Foligno, who has missed the last two games with an upper body injury. He remains day-to-day.

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