Bad News for Chris Tanev and the Maple Leafs as Trade Deadline Approaches
The Maple Leafs did get Chris Tanev back on the ice, but he's not quite ready for game action; but they're set to welcome a key forward for the first time this year.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been playing without defenseman Chris Tanev for the last pair of games, scoring two big wins over the New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
But as they hit the ice tonight in front of the home fans against the visiting San Jose Sharks, he'll be absent from action once again.
Yesterday, the Leafs placed him on the IR retroactive to February 25; he must miss a minimum of 4 games.
Tanev is playing in his first year with the Maple Leafs after signing over the summer as an unrestricted free agent; he has 17 points (2G, 15A) and a +26 rating in 57 games.
He's also formed a formidable duo with Jake McCabe and has turned the Leafs' defense around, being the glue that often keeps them a solid unit.
The Maple Leafs Are Set to Welcome Back Calle Jarnkrok to Game Action
While the Leafs won't have Tanev tonight against the Sharks, but they will have Swedish forward Calle Jarnkrok back on the ice for the first time this year.
Per analyst Chris Johnston in a post made yesterday, the Leafs could even consider him to be the equivalent of acquiring a forward on the trade market.
That's a huge addition to a team who is desperate to find themselves a third line center, and with Jarnkrok a solid anchor for that role, it makes GM Brad Treliving's job a tad bit less stressful.
Jarnkrok has played with the Leafs since signing as an unrestricted free agent with a 4-year, $8.4 million deal in 2022. In 125 games with Toronto, he has 30 goals and 30 assists while winning 47.3% of his face-offs in 14:45 TOI.
Last year, he was limited to 52 games, scoring 21 points (10G, 11A).
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