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Maple Leafs Announce Chris Tanev Injury Update Before Sabres Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 11:21 AM ET

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev left Tuesday’s game against the New Jersey Devils with an upper-body injury, adding concern to an already difficult night for the team.

The 35-year-old was hurt early in the second period after an accidental collision with Devils forward Dawson Mercer. Mercer’s head appeared to strike Tanev’s face during a net-front battle.

Tanev went down to the ice before being helped off by Jake McCabe and a team trainer. Toronto ruled Tanev out for the remainder of the game shortly after the incident.

When asked postgame for an update, head coach Craig Berube offered little detail but left the door open for a potential absence going forward.

️ | Craig Berube | Post Game vs. New Jersey Devils | Oct 21 pic.twitter.com/JECXCGJJV7
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 22, 2025

“Upper body,” Berube said. “It’s a possibility [he ’ll miss time].”

Tanev has logged one assist and a plus-3 rating through seven games this year while anchoring Toronto’s second pairing and top penalty-killing unit.

The Maple Leafs’ night, in fact, went from bad to worse Tuesday after defenseman Tanev left with his injury. Toronto went on to suffer a 5–2 loss to the Devils at Scotiabank Arena.

Tanev's early exit left the team short-handed for the remainder of a period that saw New Jersey score three times in just over three minutes.

Right after Tanev left the ice, Toronto’s failed goaltender interference challenge on that play led to a Devils power-play goal that swung momentum firmly in New Jersey’s favor.

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (8) pushes Ottawa Senators forward Brady Tkachuk (7).Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

With the Leafs sitting at 3–3–1, Philippe Myers could join the lineup if Tanev is sidelined.

Tanev, in his second season with Toronto, has been one of the team’s most dependable defensive presences since signing a six-year, $27 million contract in 2024.

The Maple Leafs will visit the Buffalo Sabres on Friday, puck drop set for 7:30 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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