John Tavares releases statement as Maple Leaf teammates react to their captain
Anthony Scultore
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John Tavares is in good spirits after suffering a terrible head injury that Sheldon Keefe said resulted in a concussion. Today, after being released from the hospital, Tavares issued a statement.
John Tavares statement
The Maple Leafs captain released a statement on Social Media expressing his gratitude for the care and support of so many. He also wanted friends and fans know that he is recovering.
The support I’ve felt since last night cannot be put into words. I’m thankful to share that I’m back home and recovering. Thank you to my family, friends, teammates, the Maple Leafs organization, Leafs Nation and the hockey community for being by my side.
Also, thank you to both medical teams, emergency services and everyone at St. Michael’s Hospital for their exceptional care to help me get back on my feet.
I look forward to when I can wear the Maple Leaf on my chest again. Until then, I’ll be cheering on the boys along with Leafs Nation as we compete in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Maple Leafs react to John Tavares injury
Auston Matthews, who is the first Maple Leaf to ever win the Rocket Richard Trophy said that you can’t replace Tavares in the lineup.
“He’s our captain, leader and he comes to the rink every day where he does so much behind the scenes that I don’t think he gets a lot of credit for. We’re going to have to have guys that step in and fill that void and make an impact, but you can’t really replace a guy like that.”
Auston Matthews via NHL.com
Jason Spezza, who was one of the first to reach out to him said, “We have to do our job, win hockey games, and that’s what John wants us to do.”
A scary moment for Tavares and the hockey world
The Maple Leafs captain suffered a serious injury after incidental contact with Corey Perry. During game one against the Canadiens, Tavares was hit by Ben Chiarot. He lost his balance and fell backwards, his head made contact with Perry’s knee causing a serious head/neck injury. Perry said afterwards that it made him “sick to his stomach.”
The moment grew more horrifying as Toronto’s medical staff tried to get Tavares back up. That’s when a stretcher was called for as panic was visibly seen on Leafs GM Kyle Dubas. Fortunately, Tavares gave the thumbs up sign as he was being taken away. Both the Leafs and Canadiens players were showing their support for Tavares. We wish nothing but the best for him.