Tavares suffers oblique injury at worlds, will be re-evaluated in Toronto

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares suffered an oblique injury while preparing for the World Championship with Team Canada and will return to Toronto for re-evaluation, Leafs Public Relations announced Thursday.

He's officially ruled out for the duration of the tournament, Team Canada management member Jason Botterill said in a statement.

"We are disappointed that John will not be able to participate as a member of Team Canada at the 2019 IIHF World Championship, but after contacting the Toronto Maple Leafs we agreed it was best for him to return home for further evaluation," Botterill said.

Tavares headlined Canada's roster after a career season in which he set new personal bests in goals (47) and points (88).

With the injury, Canada now has three roster spots available to fill.

The 28-year-old has only missed nine regular-season games in the NHL over the past five campaigns but has had bad luck at the international level in the past. He was limited to four games with Canada at the 2014 Olympics after suffering a knee injury that also ended his NHL season.

Canada kicks off its tournament Friday against Finland at 10:15 p.m. ET.