Toronto got an unexpected return at practice as Chris Tanev started albeit on his own, but looks like he is getting prepared to come back as speculation grows.
On Saturday, the Maple Leafs got some unfortunate news regarding John Tavares and later announced that the forward would miss upwards of six weeks with a lower-body injury. It's a huge hit to the lineup, and it's led to some changes ahead of Toronto's game vs. New York.
But there is also another important person missing right now, and that's Chris Tanev. The veteran defenseman was injured against Colorado and was expected to be out week-to-week with an upper-body injury - another hit to the lineup.
Chris Tanev skates at Maple Leafs practice despite injury woes
Though Saturday came with bad news about Tavares, the team also got some surprising positive news about Tanev - he's skating. The defender was seen on his own (with skills coach Nik Antropov) as he was taking some passing drills and getting his feet under him:
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What's great is that Tanev looks like he is able to be skating at a normal pace, and there is nothing that seems to be slowing him down or preventing him from getting back on the ice in the first place. The team is taking their time with this injury as to make sure he stays on the ice longer this season, so this appearance is quite the shock.
Tanev, 36, had one assist through six games this season, to go along with 14 blocks. He was key to Toronto's blue line and they clearly have missed him against both Utah and Buffalo, where they had difficulty getting out of their own zone - something Tanev is adept at.
Why Tanev's return is sparking speculation....and not just for him
But the reason Tanev's appearance is so shocking is the fact that he was expected to be out week-to-week, which is the same designation as Tavares, with that same six-week window to return.
If he's already getting back on the ice then all credit to the new sport performance staff for finding a routine and gets him returning sooner. This doesn't mean that he's suddenly going to suit up for the team on Monday against the Sharks, but it does bring hope that his return comes quicker than anticipated.
It also means good news for John Tavares as if Tanev can recover sooner from his ailment, then there is some hope Tavares can too. Combined with his elite fitness and recovery routine, it may only be a couple of weeks before we see the former captain making his way back to the team.
While this is simply Tanev getting back on the ice himself, if this were the Maple Leafs of last year, he would have done so much later on. But with new personnel and a new philosophy, and while there may be a chance that injuries like Tanev's still exist - they may not be as serious.
Do you think Chris Tanev will return sooner than expected to the Maple Leafs lineup?
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