Should the Maple Leafs Be Concerned About Chris Tanev’s Latest Injury Update?

Chris Tanev‘s road back from core muscle surgery remains a work in progress, but the veteran defenceman says he’s optimistic about being ready when Maple Leafs training camp opens later this month. “We still have to check some boxes with the doctors,” Tanev said. “But the plan is for me to be out there day one of camp.”

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In an interview with the Toronto Star’s Dave Feschuk, Tanev described his recovery as a slow process, noting he still hasn’t been medically cleared roughly six months after his operation. Still, he remains positive, even if many readers aren’t as confident.

The 36-year-old couldn’t seem to catch a break last season. First, it was a concussion. Then it was a hit from behind and a spinal injury. Finally, it was the groin and core muscle injury. None of that is good news for a player on the back nine of his hockey career and who has taken abuse from the many seasons of playing the way he does.

Tanev is working hard, however. He spent the summer training with longtime coach Gary Roberts and skating alongside NHL stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, along with his brother Brandon. He says nothing from last season’s injury is lingering, and that his surgical recovery is progressing as expected. It’s just one of those things that took a long time. “I mean, I’m feeling good. We still have to talk to the doctors, I think, in a week or two. But the plan is hopefully I’m ready to rumble once everything gets going,” Tanev said.

He added, “So it wasn’t an easy rehab. But I don’t think there was a moment where I said that this is going to be too much for me … I’m confident in all the work I’ve put in, and I feel like I’ve worked extremely hard and I’ve just got to keep checking boxes and get to where I need to be.”

The Maple Leafs Need Tanev

One of the big reasons Toronto struggled so badly last season was because they relied on having a healthy Tanev, which they never got. His absence was deeply felt, and he appeared in a career-low number of games (11). His health is also important this year, and the Maple Leafs have him penciled into their top four.

If he can’t go or isn’t cleared, that will be a setback. Should Toronto fans be prepared for a bumpy, somewhat uncertain ride?

The team revamped their blue line to a certain degree over the summer. They added Emil Andrae and signed Darren Raddysh. That said, none play the same game Tanev does, and all but Andrae are over 30. This could mean an opportunity for younger guys to step up, because the Leafs aren’t making any more moves with all 50 contracts signed.

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