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The Toronto Maple Leafs received some unfavorable news on Tuesday, as head coach Sheldon Keefe revealed that team captain John Tavares suffered an oblique strain in the club’s 4-1 win over Ottawa on Saturday afternoon. The 32-year-old had a similar injury in 2019 that prevented him from participating in the World Championships for Canada, and it is expected he will be out a minimum of three weeks, but it could be longer based on Toronto’s usual modus operandi of being careful in bringing back player too soon.
Although Keefe was not specific on who would step into the breach in Tavares’ absence, based on prior situations, it is likely that Alex Kerfoot would shift from left wing to center on the second line with William Nylander and a yet-to-be-determined winger. Kerfoot posted a career-high 38 assists last season shifting to the middle with Nylander would provide some continuity.
“We’ve got a number of different options. In the time that we have remaining, we’ll look at those,” Keefe said. “We need to have depth. (Injuries) come at various times. So we hope that this is the time where we need it, and then we can be healthy the rest of the way.”
David Kampf is likely a fixture playing as a checking line center, but with Adam Gaudette also injured, it opens the door for youngsters Alex Steeves, Pontus Holmberg, or Nick Abruzzese to earn an opportunity to start the season with a good showing in the rest of camp.
Kerfoot, Abruzzese, Holmberg, and Steeves will all be in the lineup for Toronto against the Montreal Canadiens at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday, but the focal point of the contest will be the Leafs debut of goalie Matt Murray.
Defenseman Jake Muzzin participated in practice on Wednesday after missing the start of camp with back discomfort, and there were no issues afterward, which could mean that the veteran blueliner could get into a game before the end of camp.
Toronto Maple Leafs Blogger • 
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