The Toronto Maple Leafs welcome back defenseman Chris Tanev for their final game before the holiday break, marking an important return for both the player and the team. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed Tanev’s return ahead of their matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Tanev has been sidelined since November 1, when he sustained an injury during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers, needing to leave on a stretcher following a hit from Matvei Michkov. The 36-year-old has been gradually working his way back, skating with his teammates for several weeks but only participating fully in practice since December 15.
“It’s a very fluid situation here, so we’re going to sort of go day by day, see how things are progressing,” Tanev stated after his first full practice. He expressed his excitement to be back with the team and participating fully.
During Tanev’s absence, fellow defenseman Troy Stecher has stepped up, forming a strong shutdown pairing with Jake McCabe. Despite Tanev’s return, it seems likely that Stecher and McCabe will remain together, showcasing the depth and flexibility of the Maple Leafs’ defensive lineup.
Reflecting on his injury, Tanev acknowledged the “scary situation” he faced and expressed gratitude towards the medical staff in both Philadelphia and Toronto. “You always think about things. Initially, when that happened, you talk to doctors. You have to determine the next steps and what’s best for yourself, the game, hockey, your team, and your family,” he remarked, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to his return.
Currently in the second season of a six-year, $27 million contract with the Maple Leafs, Tanev has contributed two assists over the eight games he’s played this season, averaging 17:20 of ice time. The team hopes that Tanev’s presence will bolster their performance as they aim to regroup following a recent stretch of losses.
Tanev’s robust work ethic and determination, reflected in his hard-nosed style of play, have earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike. His return not only adds a seasoned player back into the lineup but also brings hope for improved performance as the Maple Leafs look towards the upcoming games.