The latest information on the status of injured Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is anything but encouraging, and is the latest setback for the veteran blue liner who has already missed considerable time this season.
Tanev, who had only recently returned from a lengthy stint on Injured Reserve, isn’t expected to be available for the Maple Leafs any time soon. In fact, the remainder of his season could be in danger.
According to head coach Craig Berube, Tanev is going to miss “significant” time with his latest ailment, a groin injury suffered during their overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings in late December.
“Chris Tanev is going to miss some time, significant time,” Berube said. “Groin. They’re looking at things going forward here, so I’m not going to speculate on what they’re going to exactly do, but he’s going to be out a while.”
Berube’s update, which was given on the final day of December, was confirmed by NHL Insider David Pagnotta, who gave an update on the grim news.
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Toronto Maple Leafs Defenseman Chris Tanev Could Miss The Remainder Of The 2025-26 NHL Season
According to Pagnotta, Tanev could be in serious danger of not being able to play again this season and will also be meeting with a surgeon to determine the appropriate next steps.
“Chris Tanev’s regular-season may be over,” Pagnotta wrote on his official social media account. “Per sources, Tanev is meeting with a surgeon in the coming week to determine next steps. If they move forward with surgery, he is expected to be out until late-April/early-May.”
This would mean that Tanev would likely be out until at least late April or early May, and may not be available for the opening round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs – that is, if the Leafs were able to confirm their reservation in the postseason.
Right now, that’s anything but a sure thing thanks to their inconsistent performance in the first half of the campaign.
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The Maple Leafs Will Have To Move On Without Chris Tanev
Unfortunately for the Maple Leafs, the NHL schedule does not pause to allow injured players to get back to full health before making a return to the ice.
Tanev, who signed a six-year, $27 million deal with the Maple Leafs in 2024, has been limited to just 11 games played this season, during which he’s amassed a pair of assists.
There will also be a decision for Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving to make with regard to Tanev’s $4.5 million cap hit. Per new NHL rules, a club will get full relief of a player’s salary in the event that he’s placed on Season-Ending Long Term Injured Reserve.
If Tanev were to be placed on Season-Ending Long Term Injured Reserve, he would be officially finished for the campaign and would not be eligible to return in either regular season play or the playoffs, even if he were physically able to.
Tanev, who is already known for his physical style of play, is playing in his 16th NHL season, and has previously suited up for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Dallas Stars before signing in Toronto.
The Worst Has Been Confirmed For Veteran Maple Leafs Defenseman