Injury Bug Biting the Toronto Maple Leafs

Injury Update on Chris Tanev

As for Tanev, although he is skating with the team, it sounds like he and the Leafs are deciding this week on whether he should have structural surgery to help him return. The hope is that he would be able to return before the end of the regular season. The process they are going through right now includes consulting specialists and reviewing how the symptoms have progressed since the injury.

Everyone is worried that if Tanev were to take another hit, like the one he took on November 1st, it would make his symptoms worse. Having the surgery could help reduce the risk. The Maple Leafs want to ensure that whatever approach Tanev chooses will properly address both the short-term recovery and the long-term safety.

The injury to Tanev is reminding people of the injury to former Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin. He suffered a cervical spine injury after taking a bad hit in October 2022. Muzzin was faced with a similar situation where he had to choose how to move forward, and ultimately never returned to the NHL. Tanev needs to think about his life for the long term after his playing career is over. Hopefully, we’ll know more about his decision soon.

Tanev is a big part of Toronto’s defense. His ability to block shots is something the Leafs are missing. However, nobody wants to see him come back and end up getting hurt to the point where he’ll be a cripple for the rest of his life. The final decision is ultimately Tanev’s to make. I just hope he makes the best decision for himself, more than for the team.