The Toronto Maple Leafs are approaching the home stretch before a two-week break in their schedule and the potential return of John Tavares and Matthew Knies couldn’t come at a better time. Ahead of Tuesday’s full practice,

Tavares sustained a lower-body injury last week and Craig Berube updated the status of several Maple Leafs players.

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced Thursday morning that forward John Tavares has been placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the next three games. Officially labeled as week-to-week, the 34-year-old will be unavailable for the foreseeable future, further testing the team’s depth amidst a season plagued by injuries.

Johnston revealed major updates on the status of Tavares and Knies, both of whom are unknown when they will be back in the Leafs lineup, with the new report providing some clarity.

The Maple Leafs have placed John Tavares on injured reserve with a lower-body injury that he suffered in practice

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube details how the team plans to move forward without the injured John Tavares.

Following a well-attended Tuesday morning practice in Toronto, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube provided an exciting update on John Tavares and Matthew Knies.

Toronto will be without one of its biggest contributors for the near future after a drill mishap on Wednesday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been dealing with a host of injuries to key players, including Anthony Stolarz, John Tavares and Matthew Knies, the $2.775 million forward.

The Maple Leafs are down a trio of important forwards, but recent updates show they could be close to a return at a very crucial point in the season. Though

Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube addressed the team’s challenge without their veteran leader ahead of their victory over the Devils. “We’re going to miss everything,” Berube said. “His production, his leadership, his all-situations play. It’s unfortunate — just bad luck in practice. But we have to move on.”

With Tavares out for at least four games, a Maple Leafs team that was already light on centre depth will now see its options tested.