Maple Leafs’ Chris Tanev listed as game-time decision vs. Panthers

Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev is considered a game-time decision Thursday against the Florida Panthers, after missing the past six games due to an upper-body injury, head coach Craig Berube confirmed.

Tanev suffered the injury during a February 25 contest against the Boston Bruins, and reportedly left the arena with his arm in a sling. The 35-year-old was a participant in Thursday’s optional skate.

“He’s close, I’d say. He’s getting better. He’s improving every day,” Berube said Wednesday. “We’ll just have to see. I don’t really have a timeline yet.”

It would be a massive boost for the Maple Leafs if Tanev returned. Tanev has operated as Toronto’s best defenceman throughout the 2024-25 season. He’s formed an excellent shutdown pairing with Jake McCabe and ranks fifth in the NHL with 151 shots blocked, prior to Thursday’s game. Toronto sports a plus-10 goal differential when Tanev is on the ice at 5-on-5.

Tanev has recorded two goals and 17 points in 57 games, with a plus-26 rating. If he’s unavailable for Thursday’s game, it’s possible Tanev could return Saturday against the Ottawa Senators, or Monday against the Calgary Flames.

If Tanev can’t play, Philippe Myers is expected to remain in the lineup on the third pairing alongside Simon Benoit. Myers and Nick Robertson stayed on the ice to get some additional work in at the end of the session. Robertson is projected to be a healthy scratch for the second consecutive game, while Pontus Holmberg remains in the lineup with David Kampf and Steven Lorentz.

Tanev signed a six-year deal with the Maple Leafs last summer and has become an integral part of the team. Toronto has weathered several injuries throughout the season and exercising caution may be a good strategy for a veteran-laden roster that is facing the most important playoff window of its past decade.