John Tavares is a dad for the fourth time, Jim Hiller revealed today, and the Maple Leafs veteran will miss Saturday's game in Colorado.
The family welcomed Tucker Tavares, David Alter reported, after John stepped away from Friday's practice for personal reasons.
Best possible version of a personal reason. Congratulations all around.
Missing an October game for the birth of your child shouldn't even be a conversation. Nobody in Toronto will begrudge him this one.
A newborn's arrival works a lot like an overtime winner. Nobody knows exactly when it's coming, and when it does, everything else stops.
On the ice, the 36-year-old has a goal and two assists through five games.
He's been centering Easton Cowan and William Nylander, a line that now needs a new middle man for one night.
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John Tavares rocked by major personal news as Maple Leafs absence raises questions
So who slides in between Cowan and Nylander?
Gavin McKenna is the name fans will shout loudest. The 18-year-old just posted a tracking-era speed mark for his age in Vegas and has 3 points.
Hiller should give him the look. A night against an offense like Colorado's is exactly where McKenna's legs belong.
Zack MacEwen, who has dressed for one game, gives Toronto a spare body up front if Hiller needs one.
Cowan has 4 points on a $900,000 deal and has looked right at home in the top six.
Nylander shares the team lead with Auston Matthews at 6 points apiece.
Colorado has scored 23 goals in four games, and Nathan MacKinnon leads the way with 8 points.
Mackenzie Blackwood sits at an .895 save percentage, so there are goals to be had if Toronto can keep pace.
The Leafs come in at 2-2-1 after coughing up a 3-0 lead in Thursday's shootout loss in Vegas.
There's been no word yet on whether Tavares rejoins the team for Tuesday's game in Utah.
The Leafs have a hole to fill against one of the most dangerous offenses they'll see all month. Tavares, for once, has far bigger things on his mind.
Should Jim Hiller put Gavin McKenna between Easton Cowan and William Nylander in Colorado?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
John Tavares steps away from Maple Leafs for personal reasons : major questions ahead of Colorado game
