Chris Tanev's Return Timeline Confirmed by the Maple Leafs
Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is on the mend after a serious looking injury, and now we have an idea of when the blueliner is set to return.
After the Toronto Maple Leafs lost Chris Tanev in their game against the Boston Bruins, it was looking like a major blow to the team as the defender was seen leaving the arena in a sling as everyone feared the worst.
Luckily, he avoided any serious injury and is only expected to miss a couple of games. He's close to returning, and feeling better, but according to head coach Craig Berube; don't expect him for the next two games.
But what does this mean for the Maple Leafs?
Chris Tanev's Later Return Not Too Concerning But Toronto's Injuries Are
Toronto is heading into a back to back against two bad teams and it gives Tanev the perfect opportunity to heal up as the Leafs can take advantage of their weaker opponents and don't need to rely so heavily on him.
It's a good thing they have a weaker schedule as well, as they aren't just dealing with an injury to Tanev. Both Steven Lorentz and Oliver Ekman-Larsson are working through some ailments, Max Pacioretty is on the IR again, and Calle Jarnkrok is now just making his return.
Losing Tanev for any period of time however hurts a lot for the Maple Leafs as he was the glue that held their defense together. Alongside Jake McCabe, the two have formed a formidable shutdown pairing that has given Toronto's blue line new life.
In 57 games this season, Tanev has two goals and 15 assists with a plus-26 rating and adding his typical monstrous shot-blocking numbers with 151 blocks for an average of 2.65 a game; something Toronto has needed for years.
While it won't be the next two games it's a good sign that Tanev won't miss much more than that. If he did, the Leafs playoff hopes could be put in serious jeopardy.
