Toronto Maple Leafs forward Tavares could miss up to six weeks with injury

John Tavares, a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League (NHL, North America's top professional ice hockey league), has suffered a lower-body injury that could keep him out for up to six weeks. The team also includes Teodors Bluger, a forward for the Latvian national team, so Tavares's absence may affect the roster and line combinations.

How it happened

The Canadian was hurt in an NHL regular-season game against the Buffalo Sabres after colliding with Buffalo's Josh Norris. Tavares left the ice and did not return to the game. Norris was also placed in the concussion evaluation protocol after the collision.

Expected return

The Maple Leafs have described Tavares's condition as "week to week". That means his return date has not been set precisely, and recovery could take up to six weeks.

Tavares's season so far

This season Tavares has played seven games, scoring two goals and adding seven assists for nine points. Against the Sabres he recorded two assists.

The team will therefore have to play in the coming weeks without one of its productive forwards, while no precise timetable for his return has been announced.