Chris Tanev Injury Status Revealed Ahead of Division Rival Matchup vs. Florida Panthers

With the Maple Leafs coming off a crucial shootout win over the Utah Hockey Club, they are headed into a very tough battle with the division leading Panthers and their new look lineup that may or may not include Brad Marchand; who is dealing with an injury.

But the Maple Leafs are dealing with some injuries of their own. Max Pacioretty is out for who knows when, Jani Hakanpaa's career might be over, and Auston Matthews is reported to be dealing with an injury as well.

But the one that has hurt the Maple Leafs the most recently is Chris Tanev's. He's missed five straight games, and for the team's most consistent and arguably important defenseman, his absence has truly been felt.

Being walked all over by Colorado and Vegas, and having see lead after lead slip away, the team needs him back. With the game against Florida a must-win, it looks like they'll have to tame the Panthers without him yet again.

Tanev was not in the Top-6 for the blue line which is a worrying sign considering his injury was initially not considered serious. But making it a half dozen absences is something that should concern both the Maple Leafs and their fans.

Craig Berube wasn't giving too much of a timeframe as to when he returns either, though he did relent the defenseman was close.

It also looks like the veteran is putting his faith in the Maple Leafs training and medical staff for when it's best to return.

This season, Tanev has 17 points in 57 games while adding elite shot blocking and alongside Jake McCabe have become one of the best shutdown duos in the NHL.

It's been a big disappointment that Tanev has been missing so much as he was truly the glue that held a lot of the blue line together, and without him to guide things along, the team looks a bit lost at times.

Initially feared as the worst, he was seen in a sling when he left TD Garden Arena after the Bruins game, but was told he would initially avoid serious time off, but six games is getting serious, especially with such a limited schedule before the playoffs.

If Toronto can handle Florida without Tanev, it means good news come postseason time, but if it's another dismal showing? Then you best believe they need Tanev back more than ever, and fast.