The Maple Leafs' dependence on their 'Core Four' forwards is even more pronounced this season as their blueliners struggle to put up points. That's not likely to change.

The Maple Leafs already have multiple representatives taking part in the 4 Nations Faceoff and could yet see 2 names added, though, shockingly, John Tavares is not one of them.

John Tavares got tangled up with Chris Tanev ... "It's frustrating losing, so I think we feel the same way," said defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson. "They do it in every rink, don't they?"

John Tavares is week to week for the Toronto Maple Leafs with a lower-body injury and was placed on injured reserve Thursday. The center left practice early Wednesday after he took an awkward fall along the boards during a power-play drill.

John Tavares got tangled up with Chris Tanev and fell awkwardly late in Wednesday's practice. The 34-year-old centre was slow to his feet and immediately left the ice.