John Tavares placed on IR by Toronto Maple Leafs after awkward fall at practice

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In the midst of a three-game losing streak and lack of scoring, bad luck has taken reliable John Tavares out of the Maple Leafs lineup.

Tavares, who hurt his leg or groin in an awkward spill at practice on Wednesday, was placed on injured reserve Thursday morning ahead of a game against the New Jersey Devils, the return of fired coach Sheldon Keefe.

Coach Craig Berube described Tavares’ condition as “week-to-week.”

“It’s unfortunate that it (happened) in practice,” the coach added. “But we have to move on from it.

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“(Tavares affects) everything. You see his production, what he’s done, his leadership. He’s been an all situational guy for us.”

The club recalled centre Fraser Minten from the AHL Marlies, though Berube said he won’t play yet.

The plan appears to be for Max Domi to move up and centre Bobby McMann and William Nylander. Pontus Holmberg, Connor Dewar and Max Pacioretty, who’ve all been in and out of action recently, will all be playing as Ryan Reaves sits.

Jake McCabe rejoins the defence after a week away with a suspected concussion.

Tavares had 42 points in 44 games and had just reached the 20-goal mark for the 15th time in his NHL career.

Minten had four points in 11 games this season with the Leafs along with 10 in 16 starts for the Marlies.

General manager Brad Treliving told the media earlier this week that Minten being sent down was partly to do with being unfamiliar with the grind of the NHL schedule as a young player.

The Leafs are playing almost every second day much of this month. They have scored just four goals the past three games.

Tavares was hurt in the corner during a power-play drill. Defenceman Chris Tanev’s left skate caught Tavares’ left skate, pulling the latter’s legs apart and causing him to fall awkwardly to the ice.

Tavares writhed in pain before slowly making his way off the ice under his own power. He was limping as he walked to the dressing room and appeared to be favouring his right leg.

The team has missed McCabe.

“He’s a presence out there,” McMann said. “He’s played a lot in this league, he brings that calmness, but also that intensity.”

lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby