HC Craig Berube makes his feelings known on ex-Maple Leafs captain John Tavares' injury

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube spoke about the injury of John Tavares, who is now on injured reserve (IR) with a lower-body issue. Tavares was placed on IR after he fell during practice on Wednesday.

"Maple Leafs F John Tavares has been placed on IR (lower body). F Fraser Minten has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL)," Leafs PR tweeted on Thursday.

They made a follow-up tweet about his status.

"F John Tavares is listed as week-to-week," Leafs PR wrote.

Tavares has been a key player for the Maple Leafs this season, scoring 20 goals and 22 assists in 44 games. He has been important in wins, contributing 34 points in 26 victories. His absence will be felt but Berube believes the team needs to move forward.

"Yeah, they announced week-to-week right now," Berube said on Thursday before the New Jersey Devils game (08:28). "So, yeah, it's unfortunate in practice, you know, it's just, uh, bad luck. But, um, you know, it is what it is, and we got to move on from it right now."

Berube also discussed Tavares' performance this season.

"Well, everything," Berube said. "I mean, I think you see his production and what he's done and his leadership, and, you know, he's been an all-situational guy pretty much, and, uh, he's done a real good job for us."

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a 27-16-2 record and first in the Atlantic Division with 56 points.

---

Craig Berube talked about strategy in John Tavares' absence

Craig Berube talked about how the Leafs responded well when Auston Matthews was injured earlier in the season. He hopes the team can continue to play a strong team game.

"We got to stick with the program (reliying on checking) here," Berube said.

Berube added that Max Domi would take Tavares' spot in the top six. Domi has played with William Nylander before and can provide offense.

"I think Max Domi right now for me, moves up there in that spot," Berube said. "I've used him in up there before with Nylander. So, for me, he's a guy that can go up there and, provide some offense and well playmaking abilities. So we're going to need that from him."

Although John Tavares’ injury is a big setback for Toronto, the team hopes to stay competitive while he recovers. The Leafs have lost their last three games. They will look to bounce back against New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.