Tavares practises with Maple Leafs; Roslovic takes maintenance day

John Tavares took part in Toronto’s practice Wednesday, moving a step closer to a possible return against Montreal on Saturday, Sportsnet reported. The Maple Leafs centre wore a non-contact jersey as he continued his recovery from a lower-body injury.

Coach Jim Hiller was encouraged by the session but said Tavares still needs to get through Friday’s practice before a decision on his availability. Toronto has Thursday off, and Hiller hopes to have him back for the Canadiens game.

The Leafs had changed Tavares’s designation to day-to-day Tuesday, when he joined teammates on the ice. General manager John Chayka had previously said Tavares had resumed skating. He has been out since the Oct. 15 game against Buffalo and recorded two goals and five assists in seven appearances before the injury.

Jack Roslovic did not practise Wednesday because of maintenance, according to the team, Sportsnet reported. He had an undisclosed injury concern late in Tuesday’s loss to Utah, although Hiller indicated after the game that he did not believe it was serious.

Roslovic scored twice in that game. He has eight goals and 10 assists through 17 games this season.