John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs is currently week to week with a lower-body injury and has been placed on injured reserve. He sustained the injury during a practice session, which was described by coach Craig Berube as unfortunate luck. Tavares has had a standout season, contributing 42 points with 20 goals and 22 assists.

In response to his absence, the Maple Leafs have recalled Fraser Minten from the AHL. Coach Berube emphasized the need for other players to step up and replicate the resilience shown during Auston Matthews' previous absence. Meanwhile, Jake McCabe is set to return to the lineup after recovering from an upper-body injury.

The Calgary Flames are at a pivotal moment as they prepare to negotiate a contract extension for defenseman Rasmus Andersson, who has only one year remaining on his current deal before hitting unrestricted free agency. General Manager Craig Conroy is tasked with convincing Andersson to commit to the Flames long-term, especially in light of the franchise's future aspirations, including a new arena set to open for the 2027-28 season.

Meanwhile, the Toronto Maple Leafs are actively exploring trade options to free up cap space and create roster spots ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. The focus is on potentially moving five players, including Pontus Holmberg, David Kampf, Ryan Reaves, Nick Robertson, and Conor Timmins. Each player presents unique trade considerations: Holmberg has underperformed, Kampf’s contract may require incentives to move, Reaves offers limited ice time, Robertson is a valuable asset, and Timmins could be traded due to his upcoming RFA status.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured defenceman Philippe Myers with a two-year contract extension, valued at an average annual rate of $850,000. At 27 years old, Myers has participated in 11 games this season, contributing two assists while averaging over 17 minutes of ice time per game. He has primarily played alongside Morgan Rielly, forming a defensive pairing that has shown promise.

Despite a slow start to the season, where he was a healthy scratch for the majority of the first two months, Myers has found his footing, participating in 10 of the last 16 games. A native of Moncton, N.B., he has played a total of 169 NHL games across stints with Philadelphia, Tampa Bay, and Toronto. The Maple Leafs originally signed him as a free agent on July 2, 2024.

The Leafs are preparing for the next season with 15 players already signed, including most of their defensive lineup. However, two players, Conor Timmins and Jani Hakanpää, remain unsigned, with Timmins being a restricted free agent and Hakanpää an unrestricted free agent. General Manager Brad Treliving faces more pressing contract negotiations with key forwards Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Matthew Knies, who are expected to seek significant extensions. Additionally, unrestricted free agents Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz are set to hit the market on July 1, while Connor Dewar, Nick Robertson, and Pontus Holmberg are among those who will be restricted free agents.

John Tavares celebrated a milestone by scoring his 200th and 201st goals as a Toronto Maple Leaf in a recent game against the Winnipeg Jets, although the team lost 5-2. He expressed pride in his achievements over his 6.5 years with the team and hopes for a contract extension, despite the uncertainty surrounding negotiations.

Tavares is now one of only five NHL players to score 20 goals with multiple franchises. As he approaches his final contract, discussions are expected to continue as the salary cap rises.

The Toronto Maple Leafs struggled without Auston Matthews, falling to the New York Islanders 6-3 at Scotiabank Arena. Coach Craig Berube lamented the lack of effort from his players, who allowed early goals and failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

William Nylander shone with two goals, but the team’s overall performance was lackluster. Goalie Joseph Woll faced criticism for allowing quick goals, while the team’s record when trailing after two periods worsened. With Matthews sidelined, adjustments were made in the lineup, but the Leafs could not find their rhythm.