Leafs Urged to Make Crucial Lineup Decision to Secure Playoff Success
While the Toronto Maple Leafs appear ready to bring back defenseman Chris Tanev to the lineup, one analyst is urging them to give him more time in order to avoid further injury.
While the Toronto Maple Leafs prepare for a clash against their divisional foe Florida Panthers, it looks like the team is getting ready to bring back defenseman Chris Tanev.
Tanev has been absent from the lineup since February 25 when he was hurt against the Boston Bruins following a hit from John Beecher; he was later seen leaving the arena with his arm in a sling.
But while the Leafs need the added boost on the blue line, one particular analyst would like to see his return delayed for his overall health.
Sam McKee Wants A Healthy Chris Tanev Regardless Of His Return
Maple Leafs analyst Sam McKee, who is primarily featured on the Real Kyper and Bourne show, would like to see the Leafs not rush him back as he could get exposed by the forechecking abilities of Florida.
Totally understand tonight is a big game, but there's a bunch of REALLY big ones coming in a month or so. Pushing him a little banged up into a game vs the best forechecking team in the league could be pretty shortsighted. We'll see.
We've seen numerous examples over the years of players being rushed back from injury that ultimately result in a more long-term injury, leading to feelings of regret.
There's always a risk of reaggravation when it comes to coming back from injuries and getting back to 100% is always the end goal, but how long is too long for Tanev to sit?
He has been stellar for a team who struggled mightily to find a consistent and reliable shutdown defender (with an added right-handedness bonus) and alongside Jake McCabe have been an elite pairing on the blue line.
So far, Tanev has 17 points (2G, 15A) and an impressive +26 rating in 57 games this year while also averaging 19:47 of ice time.
The veteran defenseman is in his first year with the Maple Leafs after signing as a free agent over the summer; he split last year between the Calgary Flames and the Dallas Stars.
| POLL | ||
MARS 13 | 352 ANSWERS Leafs Urged to Make Crucial Lineup Decision to Secure Playoff Success Should the Maple Leafs not rush Chris Tanev back into the lineup and give him more time? | ||
| Yes | 276 | 78.4 % |
| No | 76 | 21.6 % |
| List of polls | ||