Tavares sidelined for weeks with lower-body injury

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares will be out for several weeks with a lower-body injury, the club announced on October 17. His absence could extend to six weeks, Sportsnet reported.

The 36-year-old was injured against Buffalo on October 15, when Toronto lost 5-4 in overtime. He collided with Josh Norris early in the third period and left the game.

Tavares has contributed two goals and five assists in seven regular-season games. Toronto next hosts the New York Islanders on Saturday night, which falls early on October 18 in Moscow.