Maple Leafs injury update: Insider provides latest on Anthony Stolarz and John Tavares' return timeline

Toronto Maple Leafs stars Anthony Stolarz and John Tavares are struggling with injuries. NHL insider Darren Dreger provided updates on their return timelines during Friday’s First Up show.

Stolarz has been sidelined since December 12 due to knee surgery to remove a "pebble." His initial recovery timeline was four to six weeks, indicating a possible return by late January.

However, Dreger said Stolarz might not return until early February. The team is cautious about rushing him back. His return would strengthen the Leafs' goaltending depth. Joseph Woll has stepped in during Stolarz’s absence, but recent losses to Carolina and Dallas show inconsistency.

"As I said earlier, they're not going to rush," Dreger said. "They're way too invested in him getting healthy. And they need them ... I think best case scenario is in that five seat six week range for solar, which would take you near the end of January, or even drift into early February."

On a positive note, Stolarz has returned to the ice, as confirmed by David Alter of The Hockey News. Alter recommended waiting until after the 4 Nations Face-Off in February to ensure Stolarz is fully healthy.

John Tavares, the Maple Leafs’ former captain, is recovering from a lower-body injury sustained in practice. He got tangled with teammate Chris Tanev and left the ice. Dreger said Tavares could return in about 10 days if cleared by medical staff. The team is being cautious to ensure his full recovery.

"As for Tavares ... best case scenario is probably two weeks, you know, maybe knowing John and how hard he works at things he gets back onto the ice in the 10 day range," Dreger added.

Prior to his injury, John Tavares had 42 points in 44 games and surpassed 20 goals for the 15th time. The time off may also help him heal from minor injuries, as he has only scored one goal in his last seven games. The Maple Leafs are being patient as both players recover.

Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 win over Devils

The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in overtime at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.

Jack Hughes scored first for the Devils at 2:21 of the first period with a backhand deke. William Nylander tied it 1-1 in the second period with a high shot from the left face-off dot. Nico Hischier gave the Devils a 2-1 lead with a power-play goal, using a screen to beat Joseph Woll.

Auston Matthews tied it 2-2 in the third period by jamming in a rebound on the power play. Hischier scored again, making it 3-2 with a close-range shot on another power play. Matthews tied the game at 3-3 with a sharp-angle shot.

Nylander scored the game-winning goal 1:10 into overtime on a breakaway after a pass from Mitch Marner. Jacob Markstrom made 37 saves for the Devils, while Woll stopped 21 shots for Toronto.