Leafs' Dermott to undergo shoulder surgery, will miss at least 6 months

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Travis Dermott will undergo shoulder surgery on Friday and is expected to miss a minimum of six months, the team announced.

Dermott missed 14 contests during the regular season due to a shoulder injury but returned for the final four games on the schedule before suiting up in each of Toronto's seven playoff contests against the Boston Bruins.

The 22-year-old registered 17 points in 64 games while averaging 17:18 of ice time and is expected to take on a larger role in 2019-20 due to the likely departure of Jake Gardiner in free agency.

Earlier on Thursday, the Maple Leafs announced leading goal-scorer John Tavares suffered an oblique injury during practice with Team Canada in preparation for the World Championship and will return to Toronto to be re-evaluated.