With Tavares out for at least four games, a Maple Leafs team that was already light on centre depth will now see its options tested.

Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving pointed out that "it's not fantasy hockey," and he's right. But it's incumbent upon him to get in front of the market if he's looking for another pivot.

Maple Leafs forward John Tavares was placed on injured reserve with a lower-body ailment Thursday and is considered week-to-week, coach Craig Berube said.