Maple Leafs, Chris Tanev Weigh Surgery Option: Will He Return?

The Toronto Maple Leafs expect clarity this week on whether defenceman Chris Tanev will undergo a structural procedure for whatever is ailing him, and the hope is that, if the surgery is a go, he could still return before the end of the regular season.

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Tanev, who has been sidelined since Nov. 1, rejoined the team in a non-contact jersey recently and took another step forward by skating in a regular jersey on Monday. While encouraging, medical clearance is still pending as specialists review how his symptoms have progressed over the past six weeks.

According to team insiders, and as discussed by Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, the conversation now centers on whether surgery could alleviate the issue that has kept him out.

“They’re going to come to some sort of decision on whether or not he needs surgery or not for whatever’s ailing him,” Kypreos said, noting the club is optimistic he could still return this year if a procedure is chosen. “If they do choose some sort of procedure, there’s still a chance for him to come back… which I think is great news.”

Would a Returning Tanev Be Helpful to the Maple Leafs?

Justin Bourne wondered just how helpful Tanev would be if he missed that much hockey and returned in time for the playoffs.

The situation inevitably draws parallels to Jake Muzzin, who had tough choices to make during his run with the Leafs and with questions about serious injuries. Kypreos wrote, “While we wait to hear what officially is ailing Tanev, we now know that Muzzin sustained a cervical spine injury that put him at risk for permanent paralysis if he took another big blow.”

For Tanev, the concern is similar — another heavy collision could take him to the point of no return. Surgery may help reduce that risk, but there’s always a risk going under the knife if one doesn’t have to.

The Leafs and Tanev are expected to make a final decision later this week.

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