Maple Leafs’ Chris Tanev Sidelined with Lower-Body Injury

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev has been ruled out of the lineup due to a lower-body injury as the Leafs take on the Winnipeg Jets on Monday afternoon. It’s another injury in what is becoming a long line of issues ailing the franchise heading into the NHL’s holiday break.

Maple Leafs D Chris Tanev will not play in today’s game (lower body).

— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) December 23, 2024

The injury, deemed a lower-body issue, was not given a timeline. The Leafs PR department also didn’t offer more information on what the problem was and there are no reports from insiders suggesting a specific incident caused the setback. The hope is that this is just minor and the team being extra cautious.

The Leafs are already without Auston Matthews, so these are two key players the team will have to manage without.

Tanev Being Out Leaves a Sizeable Hole on the Maple Leafs Blue Line

Tanev’s absence leaves a significant gap in the Leafs’ defensive core as they prepare for upcoming matchups against Washington, Detroit, and the Islanders — who beat them soundly the other night. They’ll get a few days off, but with a packed schedule, the team is hoping Tanev’s injury doesn’t last through the break.

Known for his shot-blocking ability and steady defensive play, Tanev has been a vital part of Toronto’s back end this season.

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