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Maple Leafs' John Tavares out for Avalanche game due to family reasons

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 10, 2026, 4:29 AM

Last updated Oct 10, 2026

Maple Leafs' John Tavares out for Avalanche game due to family reasons

Summary

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares will miss Saturday's game against the Colorado Avalanche as he welcomes his newest son, Tucker, into the family. Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller confirmed that Tavares returned to Toronto for the birth and will not play, though his return date to the lineup remains uncertain. In Tavares' absence, Miles Wood has been called up from the Toronto Marlies, but it is unclear if he will join the lineup. Nick Paul has been moved to centre the second line, replacing Tavares for the game. The Maple Leafs are concluding a road trip with this game before facing the Utah Mammoth on Tuesday.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•John Tavares is out for the game against the Avalanche.
•His absence is due to the birth of his son, Tucker.
•Miles Wood is called up but his game status is uncertain.
•Nick Paul is centering the second line in Tavares' absence.
•The Maple Leafs conclude their road trip on Tuesday.

Latest Updates

4:29 AMYahoo Sports — Maple Leafs Announce Major Player Absence Ahead of Avalanche Showdown

What they're saying

"
The Toronto Maple Leafs revealed that forward John Tavares will be unavailable on Saturday as the Maple Leafs gear up to face their toughest test of the season against the Colorado Avalanche.Maple Leafs head coach Jim Hiller told Travelling Reports that Tavares had headed back to Toronto as the Tavares family welcomed their newest son, […] The post Maple Leafs Announce Major Player Absence Ahead of Avalanche Showdown appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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Colorado Avalanche Montreal Canadiens Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Hockey