Maple Leafs’ Tavares discharged from hospital, out indefinitely

TORONTO – Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares was discharged from hospital on Friday morning after being stretchered off the ice Thursday during Game 1 of the team’s first-round playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens.

Tavares is out indefinitely.

“Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares has been discharged from the hospital this morning,” the team said in a statement on Twitter.

An update on @MapleLeafs captain John Tavares. pic.twitter.com/sV0dlfpdI8

— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) May 21, 2021

“He was thoroughly examined and assessed by the neurosurgical 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.”

LISTEN: A former team physician on John Tavares’ injury

Tavares was injured after an incidental collision with Corey Perry in the first period.

The contact that led to the injury occurred after Tavares was sent to the ice by a hit from Ben Chiarot at the blue line. As Tavares was falling, Perry, while attempting to exit the zone, made contact with his head.

Tavares stayed on the ice for several moments and appeared to be in significant distress.

Trainers and doctors from both teams rushed to the ice and attended to him. As he was being stretchered off the ice, he gave a thumbs up in the air.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1395778065712693250?s=20

Teammate Auston Matthews told reporters on Friday that Tavares sent a group text on Thursday night following the incident indicating that he was feeling better.

Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed Friday afternoon that Tavares suffered a concussion.

https://twitter.com/FriedgeHNIC/status/1395787514380705795?s=20

 

Tavares, 30, had 19 goals and 50 points in 56 games for the Leafs this season, his third with the team since signing a seven-year, $77-million deal with Toronto in July 2018.