Maple Leafs John Tavares suffers serious injury; gives thumbs up on stretcher

Anthony Scultore |

May 20, 2021

Maple Leafs captain, John Tavares 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.

Scary scary stuff here.
Let's hope John Tavares is OK. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/OOtzg2tVK4
— For Future Considerations (@PodcastFFC) May 21, 2021

John Tavares suffers serious injury, leaves on a stretcher

john tavares serious injury — May 20, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares (91) during the warm up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens before game one of the first round of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

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.

John Tavares gives a thumbs up from the stretcher after a scary head injurypic.twitter.com/PoMO2YRl94
— Hockey Night in Canada (@hockeynight) May 21, 2021

We pray that John Tavares is ok and has a speedy recovery. We will provide updates as they come in.

Updates:

Just received the confirmation from the @MapleLeafs that John Tavares was transported to hospital for further evaluation.
— Renaud Lavoie (@renlavoietva) May 21, 2021

Sheldon Keefe says John Tavares is conscious and communicating well…will remain in hospital overnight. Tests have come back "clear."
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 21, 2021