Leafs’ Tavares discharged from hospital, out ‘indefinitely’ after frightening collision

The Toronto Maple Leafs say captain John Tavares has been discharged from hospital and will be out of the playoffs “indefinitely” following a frightening collision in Thursday night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens. 

Toronto native John Tavares named captain of Maple Leafs

The 30-year-old was taken off the ice on a stretcher and transported to hospital after colliding with Montreal’s Ben Chiarot in the first period. He was hit in the head by Corey Perry’s knee as he fell.

The Leafs say Tavares was thoroughly examined and assessed by the neurological team at St. Michael’s Hospital and the club’s medical director.

“He was kept overnight for observation and is now resting at home under the care and supervision of team physicians. Tavares will be out indefinitely,” said a post on Twitter.

Montreal defeated Toronto 2-1 in Game 1 to take an early lead in the first-round series. It’s the teams’ first post-season matchup since 1979.

Toronto head coach Sheldon Keefe provided an update following the game, saying Tavares was conscious and communicating well. The centre had given a thumbs up as he was wheeled off the ice.

“It’s a big loss for us, but we’ve got lots of depth,” he said. “Good teams overcome these types of things. That’s going to be on us.”

Toronto and Montreal next play on Saturday.

CBC