Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares will not play against the Colorado Avalanche as he is going through a truly life-changing event.
According to David Alter of The Hockey News, John Tavares' wife has given birth to the couple's fourth child, a boy named Tucker Tavares.
The forward was not at practice earlier today, and head coach Jim Hiller is confirming that Tavares will not play against the Colorado Avalanche.
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In the aftermath of Tavares' absence at practice, there were some big changes made to the lines, as Jim Hiller prepares for Tavares to miss a game.
Nick Paul is the one who will replace Tavares as center on the second line. Meanwhile, Teddy Blueger will be the center on the fourt line, and Colton Sissions the center on the third.
Marchenko-Matthews-Roslovic
Cowan-Paul-Nylander
McKenna-Sissons-Groulx
MacEwen-Blueger-Duhaime
Absent: Tavares (personal)
McCabe-Raddysh
Rielly-Tanev
OEL-Stecher
Extra: Blankenburg
Stolarz
Absent: Bobrovsky (likely maintenance)
On defense, the pairs have been changed, as Jake McCabe is going to be with Darren Raddysh. Morgan Rielly is paired up with Chris Tanev.
As for the goaltending, it seems as though Anthony Stolarz might be the netminder against the Colorado Avalanche, although we will know more tomorrow.
No Tavares is a huge hit to this team, but it is important to remember that it will only last one game. Furthermore, it is for a very good reason.
We wish Tavares the best of luck with his new child. This is a huge blessing for his family, and we're sure he will be coming back with some extra motivation.
Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs will beat the Colorado Avalanche?
Also read on Hockey Patrol :
John Tavares steps away from Maple Leafs for personal reasons