Tavares expects to play Leafs' season opener
Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares expects to suit up in Wednesday's season opener against the Montreal Canadiens.
"Feeling good. Tomorrow looks good. So, excited about that ... excited that I can be there right off the get-go," Tavares told TSN's Mark Masters.
Tavares' status was in question after he was given a three-week timeline to recover from an oblique strain suffered Sept. 27.
Here's how the Leafs lined up in practice Tuesday with Tavares in the fold.
It looks like this will be the Leafs’ opening night lineup — if John Tavares is ready to go:
— Jonas Siegel (@jonassiegel) October 11, 2022
Bunting — Matthews — Marner
Nylander — Tavares — Malgin
Engvall — Kerfoot — Jarnkrok
Aston-Reese — Kampf — Aube-Kubel
Rielly — Brodie
Muzzin — Holl
Giordano — Sandin
Murray
Tavares is entering his fifth campaign with the Maple Leafs after signing a seven-year, $77-million contract in the summer of 2017. The 32-year-old has collected 274 points in 280 games with the club, including 76 last season.