TORONTO -- Maple Leafs captain John Tavares is set to return to the lineup Tuesday night after missing seven games with a broken finger.
The star center says he has made ''really good progress’’ and is looking forward to the game against the Los Angeles Kings.
Tavares was hurt Oct. 16 after a shot by Toronto defenseman Morgan Rielly hit his hand during a 4-3 loss at Washington. The Maple Leafs were 3-2-2 without Tavares, including Saturday’s 4-3 shootout victory in Philadelphia. He had three goals and four assists in eight games this season before the injury.
Tavares signed a seven-year, $77 million contract with Toronto in free agency two summers ago. He had 47 goals and 88 points in his first season with the team.