Coach Rules Out Season-Changing Move for Maple Leafs’ Chris Tanev

The Toronto Maple Leafs are still without a clear return timeline for defenseman Chris Tanev, and head coach Craig Berube isn’t entertaining any dramatic moves without more information. Tanev, out since Nov. 1 with an upper-body injury, participated in his first full practice Wednesday — albeit in a red non-contact jersey. When asked about the status of Tanev potentially having surgery, Berube ruled it out.

Tanev was back on the ice Thursday morning, again in red, but Berube said the team is still awaiting medical results. As per Nick Barden of the Hockey News:

“We’re still waiting for the results. I don’t know yet. I wish I did, but can’t speed him up.” Berube was asked point-blank whether surgery could be on the table for Tanev. He responded, “No, not right now. I don’t believe that’s going to be an option right now. Just got to be patient and wait for the results.”

Earlier in the week, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported the Leafs and doctors were weighing whether Tanev might require surgery.

Tanev has missed 17 games since being injured. It was his first game back after a concussion two weeks earlier. Limited to eight games this season, the veteran blueliner has two assists while averaging 17:20 per night. Now in year two of a six-year, $27 million deal, Toronto is realizing that the long-term bet they made on Tanev has come with some serious question marks. His health has been an issue, based in part on the way he plays the game. His age is also a factor.

There are real concerns that he might be getting to the point where coming back to play again is a risk to his long-term health.

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