Toronto Maple Leafs have been dealt another troubling blow as veteran defenseman Chris Tanev faces a potentially season-altering setback.
Just weeks after making his return from a prolonged stay on Injured Reserve, the experienced blue liner is once again sidelined, with uncertainty now surrounding whether he will feature again this season.
Tanev’s latest injury occurred during Toronto’s overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings in late December, where he suffered a groin issue that has quickly escalated into a major concern for the organization.
For a team navigating the grind of the NHL season and eyeing a deep playoff run, the timing could hardly be worse.
Craig Berube confirms extended absence
Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube delivered a sobering update on Tanev’s condition on the final day of December, making it clear that this is not a short-term issue.
“Chris Tanev is going to miss some time, significant time,” Berube said. “Groin. They’re looking at things going forward here, so I’m not going to speculate on what they’re going to exactly do, but he’s going to be out a while.”
The comments underscore the seriousness of the injury and the lack of clarity around a return timeline. Given Tanev’s age and history, the situation has prompted concern both inside and outside the locker room.
Season in jeopardy as medical decisions loom
NHL Insider David Pagnotta further amplified the gravity of the situation, reporting that Tanev’s season could be at risk altogether.
According to Pagnotta, the veteran defenseman is expected to meet with a surgeon to evaluate the best course of action moving forward — a step that often signals a potentially lengthy recovery process.
If surgery is deemed necessary, it could effectively end Tanev’s campaign before it ever truly got going. The 34-year-old has already missed considerable time this season, making this latest development especially frustrating for both player and team.
Toronto Maple Leafs face defensive challenge
Tanev was brought in to provide stability, experience, and defensive reliability on Toronto’s back end. His absence leaves the Maple Leafs thin on veteran depth, forcing the coaching staff to juggle pairings and rely more heavily on younger or less experienced defensemen during a critical stretch of the season.
As Toronto Maple Leafs continues to push through a competitive Eastern Conference race, the loss of Tanev for an extended period — or potentially the rest of the season — represents a painful twist in what has already been a challenging year for the veteran.