Maple Leafs Dealt Major Blow with Concerning Updates on Tavares and Woll

Woll and Tavares join the long list of injuries that the Maple Leafs appear to be suffering this early in the season, which also includes Connor Dewar, Fraser Minten, Jani Hakanpaa, and Calle Jarnkrok.

Although Woll's injury's exact duration is unknown, head coach Craig Berube was optimistic that he would at least return quickly given how much better he had been playing lately.

But Monday's practice was different because Woll and forward John Tavares weren't with the Maple Leafs this morning:

We don't yet know the exact cause of Woll's "lower-body tightness," which could range from a pulled muscle to a partial tear. The goalie hasn't been spotted skating, which is concerning. Given that he only played a portion of the preseason, some people question whether Woll is prepared to reclaim the top spot when he returns. Additionally, Woll has a history of injuries, and it's impossible to tell if he re-aggravated any of them or if there are underlying problems.

Given that Tavares was already sidelined for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh and is still battling whatever ailment he has, his absence was less shocking. Tavares' availability for Wednesday's game against the Los Angeles Kings is unknown, but the Maple Leafs could use all the assistance they can get to continue riding the gradually accumulating momentum.

While there are a few options available to head coach Craig Berube for Woll's replacement while he is injured, losing Tavares is equally significant because of the way he dominates the game, which is crucial to the Maple Leafs' success.