Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares returned to the ice with several teammates Tuesday as part of Phase 2 of the NHL's return-to-play plan.
"Going back to the rink, seeing each other - even with things being different, it's such a breath of fresh air," Tavares said, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
Limited to the six-player maximum, Tavares skated in a group that included winger Ilya Mikheyev, defenseman Jake Muzzin, and goaltender Jack Campbell. The 6-foot-1 pivot also expects Mitch Marner and Cody Ceci to join the club Thursday.
Most players around the league have not been able to skate since the NHL suspended play March 12, and Tavares stressed how crucial it is for his club to take advantage of these early summer skates.
"Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we can take steps to play together (as a full team)," Tavares said, according to the Toronto Sun's Lance Hornby. "We have to benefit from this opportunity to maximize (training). It’s not like we’re going to have four preseason games. We need to perform right off the bat."
Tavares said the small group of Leafs and a few coaches are "brainstorming" different drills to help maximize the 45-minute ice time limit allotted under Phase 2 protocol.
The Maple Leafs are slated to take on the Columbus Blue Jackets in a best-of-five qualifying series under the NHL's 24-team playoff format.
