John Tavares abruptly leaves the Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs were missing a familiar face at Friday's practice, and the reason behind it remains unclear.

Veteran forward John Tavares was absent from the session due to personal reasons, according to multiple reports. TSN's Mark Masters confirmed that Tavares did not participate in practice, while Leafs insider David Alter reported that the center has stepped away from the team entirely for the time being.

No specific details have been shared about the nature of Tavares' absence. The team has not indicated how long the veteran could be away from the group.

Head coach Jim Hiller is expected to speak to reporters following Friday's practice and could offer more clarity on Tavares' status at that point.

Meanwhile, forward Miles Wood is set to rejoin the Maple Leafs on the road and will meet the team in Denver.

Some fans online have speculated that the absence could be related to a family matter, noting that Tavares' wife was reportedly expecting the birth of their newest child around this time. However, none of those claims have been confirmed by the team or Tavares himself.

Tavares has long been a cornerstone of the Maple Leafs' lineup, and any extended time away from the team would leave a noticeable void in the forward group. His leadership and experience in the locker room make him a difficult player to replace, regardless of the length of his absence.

The Leafs will prepare for their upcoming trip to Colorado without their veteran center, with more information expected once Hiller addresses the media later on Friday.