Chris Tanev Development Emerges After Maple Leafs' Decision

“So that was all, I don’t want to say negotiated, but part of the conversations that Chris Tanev was very well aware of,” LeBrun said.

That provides additional context after Hiller declined to elaborate on scratching Tanev for the Wild game.

“Ah, I’m not going to get into that,” Hiller said. “I think there’s been a lot of talk about that. He’ll play Saturday.”

Tanev revealed Tuesday that he tried to play Sunday despite being told to miss that game.

“I tried multiple times, but obviously didn’t work,” Tanev said. “I want to play. That’s why (he disagrees with the Leafs’ load-managing plan).”

LeBrun acknowledged Tanev’s frustration comes from wanting to help a depleted defense, now also missing stalwart Morgan Rielly, not from being blindsided by Toronto’s decision.

“I think it’s just killing him not to be in, even though he knew this was coming,” LeBrun said.

“The conversation is fluid,” LeBrun wrote in The Athletic.

The Leafs lost to the Wild on Thursday, making it five consecutive home losses for the first time since they achieved that questionable feat in the 1990-91 season.