A timeline for the injured centre’s return from a lower-body injury is starting to come into focus, Mark Masters writes.

Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares has resumed skating and could return to practice by the end of this week, head coach Craig Berube told Joshua Kloke of The Athletic on Monday.

Asked about the state of extension talks with not only Marner but John Tavares and pending RFA Matthew Knies earlier this month, Leafs GM Brad Treliving said, “Those are things that we always are looking at and talking about and rumbling around, but nothing to report right now.”

The Blackhawks could expedite their painstaking rebuilding process and be significant players in free agency this summer.

Score the Battle of Ontario 2-0 for the Ottawa Senators after Saturday’s 2-1 win over the Maple Leafs, with just one goal, so far, for Toronto in this year’s series. Our takeaways after a frustrating night on the offensive side for the Blue and White when their travelling show came expecting fireworks.

Goaltender Dennis Hildeby was exposed against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the Leafs’ 5-1 loss at Scotiabank Arena. His mobility in the crease was an issue as Toronto’s three-game winning streak came to an end.

Mikko Rantanen was dealt to the Hurricanes for Martin Necas, Jack Drury and two draft picks. Follow this tracker for the latest NHL news.

New Jersey Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom will miss 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. Follow this tracker for the latest NHL news.

THROUGH GAMES OF FRIDAY, JAN. 24, 2025

As the trade deadline slowly approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs will have plenty of work that needs to get done in terms of addressing their needs. General Manager Brad Treliving has made it clear for months that their top priority is to acquire another centre to help shore up their depth.