Critical update released on Leafs captain John Tavares

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been without the services of captain John Tavares since he suffered an oblique injury on September 24; his originally slated recovery time was approximately three weeks, meaning that he could very well miss the beginning of the regular season that kicks off later this month.

However, the latest updates regarding his health have been nothing but positive. Tavares has been a full participant in practice in his team's last two sessions, and he's aiming to be in the Opening Night lineup on Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. 

"I’m really happy with where I’m at. Physically a really good day,” Tavares said. “Another good day with performance and medical staff and go from there.”

"Chances probably only grow with every day,” Tavares said about his possible return. ”It’s been a really good process so far. I’m really happy with it and I want to be a part of it more than anybody. But I also understand the big picture and what’s ahead.”

And according to head coach Sheldon Keefe, he's "preparing to play". 

“The plan is that if all goes well for the rest of the day that’d he’d come to tomorrow’s practice, as always, preparing to play,” Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said of Tavares. “He’s day-to-day at this point and we’ll continue to assess him.”

With 27 goals and 49 assists last season, Tavares was the 4th leading scorer on the Maple Leafs roster. The Leafs and Habs will face-off just after 7:00 PM EST Wednesday night.