Tavares: No setback, but 'disappointed' to miss another game

John Tavares says his broken finger hasn't gotten worse, and he's simply playing it safe by sitting out Saturday's game against the Philadelphia Flyers.

"To say (I'm) not a little disappointed, I'd be lying, but (I've) got to be smart and make sure I put myself in a good spot when I come back, (so) that I can come back and play my game, and also make sure that the long term ... is in good shape," the Toronto Maple Leafs captain told the assembled media, including TSN, after Saturday's morning skate.

Earlier on Saturday, Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock told reporters, including TSN's Mark Masters, that Tavares wouldn't make his much-anticipated return from a broken finger against the Flyers.

Tavares said there's been no setback in his recovery. He also explained that he consulted with the team's medical staff Saturday morning and they all felt it would be best to take advantage of the next three days before Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Kings, for which he's hopeful to be ready.

The 29-year-old returned to practice Wednesday and took part in Friday's session before joining the club on its trip to Philadelphia.

Saturday's contest will be the seventh he's missed after suffering the injury Oct. 16 against the Washington Capitals.