Maple Leafs forward John Tavares was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body ailment Thursday and is considered week-to-week, coach Craig Berube said.

With Tavares out for at least four games, a Maple Leafs team that was already light on centre depth will now see its options tested.

Toronto will be without one of its biggest contributors for the near future after a drill mishap on Wednesday.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been dealt a significant blow with John Tavares landing on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained in practice. The franchise announced Thursday that Tavares is listed as “week-to-week,” with his earliest possible return set for Jan. 25 against the Ottawa Senators.

The Toronto Maple Leafs will be without John Tavares for some time after a freak injury at a recent practice put him on the shelf. Tavares left a Maple Leafs workout early when an inadvertent trip and awkward fall forced him to suffer a lower-body injury.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares is being evaluated after sustaining an apparent leg injury during Wednesday's practice.