Tavares, who is Maple Leafs captain, is working his way back from an oblique injury suffered during a 4-1 preseason win against the Ottawa Senators on Sept. 24. The 32-year-old center skated on his own prior to practice at Gravenhurst Centennial Centre on Wednesday, prompting Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe to be asked if Tavares might be available for the season opener at the Montreal Canadiens.
"It's all going to be (based) on his recovery," Keefe said. "I think it was a really positive day for him today, but the way that it would track out in terms of the plan that was set was that he wouldn't be available. What his body is telling him is going to dictate that."
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The original prognosis suggested Tavares, who resumed skating Monday, would be out at least three weeks. A return against the Canadiens would have him ahead of schedule.
"Whether it's sooner or ends up being later, it's all going to be part of it," Keefe said. "We're just going to take it a day at a time with him. Today was a good day for him, but certainly I'm not expecting him to be full-go at all this week.
"That tightens up the timelines pretty good for him."
Tavares had 76 points (27 goals, 49 assists) in 79 games last season. Forwards Alex Kerfoot and William Nylander have each played center during training camp in Tavares' absence.
Nylander played between Denis Malgin and Nicholas Robertson on Wednesday, but Keefe cautioned not to read much into it. Nylander said he's willing to adapt while Tavares recovers.
"Whatever they want me to do is fine," he said. "Center, wing, they're both fun.
"(The difference) is how you sort out the [defensive] zone. You play differently as a winger, so your focus changes."
