“Dramatically Alarming”: Chris Tanev Injury May Force Maple Leafs Into Trade

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The Toronto Maple Leafs aren’t sounding the alarm, and they’re publicly saying they aren’t overly concerned about Chris Tanev‘s injury status. They should be. Despite reports that there is no timeline for Tanev’s latest injury and a report from Chris Johnston that this isn’t a super sensitive issue, a dark cloud hangs over Tanev’s situation.

Tanev was placed on injured reserve Monday, retroactive to Saturday’s 6-3 comeback win over the Colorado Avalanche. He suffered an undisclosed upper-body injury. The Leafs are doing due diligence, including further testing. Johnston said, “It’s not known exactly what that time frame looks like, but I don’t know that it’s one where you have to jump to conclusions and assume it’s going to be a repeat of last season.”

Others aren’t so sure.

The move means the 36-year-old will miss at least three games, and coach Jim Hiller said he has no clear sense of when Tanev might return. Asked about the nature of the injury, Hiller said only, “I’m not going to get into any of that.” Tanev remains with the team, which wraps its road trip Tuesday against the Mammoth. Following that game, Tanev will undergo further evaluation.

Why Should the Maple Leafs Be Concerned?

Tanev suffered consecutive head and neck injuries last fall, plus a core muscle injury, and was limited to 11 games in 2025-26. Heading into the season, the question was whether he could stay healthy enough to play. So far, things are trending in the wrong direction.

Sports1440’s Dave McCarthy called the situation “dramatically alarming,” noting that the hit that knocked Tanev out of the game happens 15 to 20 times a night. Given last year’s spinal and core issues, he wondered how much more Tanev can play. Others have called Tanev’s situation “pretty concerning.” McCarthy adds, “If Tanev is out long term and the Maple Leafs want to contend, they have to go out and get another D-man. They won’t contend with this D corps.”

Jeff O’Neill and Bryan Hayes of TSN OverDrive said the same thing, with O’Neill saying he’s “scared for the guy.” How can Tanev play his game if every little bump and hit knocks him onto the injured reserve list?

Now What for the Maple Leafs Blue Line?

Hiller will use a “by committee” approach on defence. Nick Blankenburg, who scored in his Leafs debut Saturday, takes on a larger role, and Marshall Rifai was recalled from the Marlies. Pairings such as Jake McCabe-Darren Raddysh and Rielly-Troy Stecher will be tested.

Most don’t think this will cut it. GM John Chayka was already exploring the trade market for blue line help, and those efforts could intensify if Tanev’s absence is lengthy.

Tanev is only in the third year of a six-year contract. With the growing concern about his long-term health, the Maple Leafs should be thinking about a trade that is more permanent than temporary.

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