Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares is slated to return to the lineup as a winger for the team's likely matchup against the Montreal Canadiens, according to a report from The Hockey News. The veteran center, who has been sidelined, is expected to shift to the wing upon his return rather than resume his usual center position.
"I don't look at it as helping my game," Tavares said regarding the positional change, suggesting the move is more about team structure than personal preference. The 34-year-old forward has been a fixture at center for Toronto since joining the franchise in 2018.
The Maple Leafs' coaching staff appears to be experimenting with lineup configurations as they integrate Tavares back into the roster. The Canadiens matchup represents a key divisional game in the Atlantic Division standings.
