Maple Leafs’ Tavares leaves practice early, favouring right leg

Maple Leafs fans may be holding their breath today.

Toronto Maple Leafs veteran John Tavares left practice early on Wednesday, appearing to favour his right leg after being hurt during a power-play drill.

The injury seemed to occur when Tavares’ and defenceman Chris Tanev’s skates got tangled in the corner, leading the forward’s legs to stretch apart awkwardly.

Tavares stayed down on the ice for a few moments before getting up, skating off the ice and heading to the dressing room under his own power.

Losing Tavares for any period of time would be a blow to the Maple Leafs, as the former captain has been lighting it up this season with 20 goals and 22 assists for 42 points in 44 games.

Tavares, 34, finished last season with 29 goals and 36 assists for 65 points in 80 games. The Mississauga, Ont., native relinquished the captaincy to Auston Matthews before this season.

Toronto’s next game comes against former head coach Sheldon Keefe and the New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday.

More from Sportsnet

Booed-off Maple Leafs should be reminded of fans’ impatience

Brad Treliving strongly hints at Maple Leafs’ trade deadline priority