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Leafs practice notes: Chris Tanev skates in individual session

Originally posted on TheLeafsnation | By Arun Srinivasan | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 12:16 PM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev participated in an individual session during Saturday’s practice. Tanev skated on a separate pad, away from the main group on Saturday.

Head coach Craig Berube previously indicated that Tanev could potentially rejoin the team this season, after assessing how he skates through the week. Tanev was previously believed to be considering season-ending surgery for a groin injury.

“I think it is still early to talk about whether he is joining us here, but he seems pretty good,” Berube said of Tanev following Thursday’s practice. “Again, it will still be a day or two until we figure out if he is going to join us with the team. We’ll see. We’ll talk to him and see if he can get there by the weekend, but I am not sure yet.”

William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson haven’t returned to practice from the Olympics. Nylander and Ekman-Larsson both played for Sweden, and were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the United States. Auston Matthews will captain the United States in Sunday’s gold medal game against Canada. Matthews and the United States are seeking their first gold medal in Olympic men’s hockey since 1980.

With Matthews, Nylander and Ekman-Larsson all unavailable, the lines at Saturday’s practice operated as placeholders. Easton Cowan primarily skated in place of Matthews with Bobby McMann and Max Domi on the wings, via line rushes posted by David Alter of The Hockey News. Calle Jarnkrok skated in Nylander’s normal place on the second line right wing, alongside Matias Maccelli and John Tavares.

Joseph Woll returned to practice after missing a previous session due to illness.

Toronto resumes its schedule on February 25 against the Atlantic Division-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.