John Tavares released from hospital after scary hit to head: Maple Leafs captain out indefinitely

After being stretchered off the ice in Game 1, Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares is doing well according to head coach Sheldon Keefe.

The Toronto Maple Leafs lost more than just the game in Game 1 against the Montreal Canadiens. Not only did they lose 2-1 in their postseason opener, but they also lost team captain John Tavares, who was stretchered off the ice after being hit in the head by a Corey Perry knee after colliding with Ben Chiarot.

It was a nasty collision and everyone’s thoughts were with Tavares. It’s never good to see someone carried off the ice on a stretcher. He gave a thumbs up when he was removed from the ice in a sign that he avoided a far worse outcome.

Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe, though, provided the latest update on Tavares after the game.

“He’s conscious and communicating well, Keefe said. The tests he’s had have come back clear. He’s going to remain overnight in the hospital to undergo further tests.”

On Friday morning, the Leafs released a statement saying Tavares has been discharged from the hospital and is resting at home. He is out indefinitely.

Will the Maple Leafs get John Tavares back this postseason?

With Tavares ruled out indefinitely it’s difficult to envision Tavares returning to the team during the postseason run, unless it’s a deep one that goes to the Stanley Cup Final.

In 56 games during the 2020-21 regular season, Tavares had 50 points (19 goals and 31 assists). This season is the first time in his career he has failed to score at least 20 goals, though obviously, this season warrants an asterisk of sorts due to its special circumstances. Tavares has 819 points in 870 career regular-season games.

Not only has Tavares done well during the regular season, but he has also been able to translate that success to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. In 36 postseason games, he has 30 points. 11 of those points came during the 2015-16 postseason when Tavares helped the New York Islanders upset the Florida Panthers in the first round by scoring the series-winning goal in overtime.