Bad News Emerges for Leafs Injured Defenseman Chris Tanev
This isn't the update that Maple Leafs fans wanted to hear about defenseman Chris Tanev, who hasn't been able to play since getting hurt on February 25 against the Boston Bruins.
First year Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev hasn't been able to play since February 25 when he sustained an injury against their heated rivals, the Boston Bruins.
He's since been placed on injured reserve by the team, and the latest update from head coach Craig Berube isn't encouraging.
It's unfortunate because we do miss him. He's a big part of our team, but at the same time, we want to do what's best for the player and the player's gotta do what's best for himself.
Tanev was seen at practice in Utah today getting in some extra work on the ice:
Tanev has skated in 57 games so far in his 1st year with the Leafs and has 17 points (2G, 15A). He signed as a free agent after splitting last year with the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks.
Chris Tanev's Bad News Was Initially Positive
During Toronto's matchup against the divisional foe Bruins on February 25, Tanev was hit by Boston's John Beecher and departed the game.
He was later seen leaving the arena with his arm in a sling, naturally causing concern about his health status.
But the prognosis was that he didn't break or dislocate his collarbone, and it seemed like it wasn't a dislocated shoulder; but as Craig Berube mentioned it being a day-to-day injury, that spelled danger for the veteran blue liner.
Tanev has been one of the better shut down defenders for the Leafs since he agreed to join them over the summer in free agency, and they'd be best suited by getting him back into the lineup as soon as possible as they're now in the stretch drive of the year before the playoffs.
His pairing with Jake McCabe has been elite, and with both men locked up for the foreseeable future, there's no telling how good the defense can be next year as well with the chemistry built this season.
Toronto will welcome Tanev back with open arms, as he looks to come back and do what he does best. Block shots and make life miserable for opponents.
