Tavares trending toward Wednesday return for cap-strapped Leafs

SPORTSCENTRE Reporter

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The Maple Leafs practised at the Ford Performance Centre on Monday. 

John Tavares participated fully in practice and didn't feel limited in any way. 

"I wanted to get myself back out there and competing just like I normally would," the 32-year-old centre said. "I tried to have that mindset. It was good to go out there and not be measured or feel my way through things and I think I hit those boxes, checked them off."

Will Tavares, who sustained an oblique strain early in training camp, play in Wednesday's regular-season opener in Montreal? 

"Everything's been trending really well so hopefully that's the case," Tavares said. "Chances probably only grow with every day ... I want to be a part of it more than anybody, but also understand the big picture."

"He's encouraged," said coach Sheldon Keefe. "If all goes well for the rest of the day, he'll come to tomorrow's practice as though he's preparing to play." 

"He looked great," said linemate William Nylander. "We had a couple really nice plays out there too so hopefully he gets cleared."

Initially, Tavares was projected to miss the start of the regular season, but the Leafs captain is ahead of schedule. 

Tavares suffered a more serious oblique injury in the spring of 2019, which cost him a chance to play in the World Championship. 

"It's felt more like a contusion than a muscle strain compared to what I had the last time," Tavares said. "Right from the get-go I was able to do quite a bit. Obviously, I didn't skate for the first week, but I was able to do quite a bit in the gym on the rehab side and staying fit. So, I was really happy with that."

John Tavares says he's trending in the right direction to be ready for the Maple Leafs