Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube addressed the injury to John Tavares, who is now on injured reserve (IR) with lower body issues. Tavares was evaluated for the injury after falling during practice Wednesday.

“Maple Leafs forward John Tavares has been cleared for IR (lower body). Fraser Minten has been recalled from the Toronto Marlies (AHL),” Maple Leafs PR said Thursday wrote on Twitter.

They posted follow-up tweets about his status.

“F John Tavares has been named to the weekly roster,” Leafs PR wrote.

Tavares is a key figure in the team maple leaf This season, he has scored 20 goals and provided 22 assists in 44 games. He played a major role in the victory, contributing 34 points in 26 wins. His absence will be felt but Berube believes the team needs to move on.

“Yeah, they’re announcing every week now,” Berube said before Thursday’s New Jersey Devils game (08:28). “So, yeah, it’s unfortunate in practice, you know, it’s just, uh, bad luck. But, um, you know, that’s what it is and we have to move on now.”

Berube also discussed Tavares’ performance this season.

“Okay, everything,” Berube said. “I mean, I think you saw the performance and the things he did and his leadership and, you know, he was pretty much a guy who adapted to every situation and, uh, he did it for us. Very good job.”

The Toronto Maple Leafs have a record of 27 wins, 16 draws and 2 losses, ranking first in the Atlantic Division with 56 points.

Craig Berube talks strategy in John Tavares’ absence

Craig Berube talks Maple Leafs on Auston Matthews Injured earlier in the season. He hopes the team can continue to play strong team games.

“We have to stick to the plan here (relying on inspections),” Berube said.

Berube added that Max Domi will replace Tavares in the top six. Domi has played with William Nylander before and could provide offense.

“I think Max Domi has risen to that position for me now,” Berube said. “I’ve used him before at Nylander’s position. So, to me, he’s a guy that can come in and provide some offense and good playmaking. So we need him to do that.”

While John Tavares’ injury is a big setback for Toronto, the team hopes to remain competitive while he recovers. The Maple Leafs have lost their last three games. they will look to bounce back new jersey devils Thursday at Scotiabank Arena.