The Toronto Maple Leafs have been without defenseman Chris Tanev for the last handful of games, but that could be changing in time for tonight's game.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been missing a key part of their blue line for the last several games, but it appears that time could be coming to a close.
Tanev spoke earlier in the week following practice, indicating that not only was he feeling good but that he was also progressing.
Feeling good. Just progressing day by day on the timeline that was given to us. Just trying to get better every day. There was a timeline given to us, so I'm just trying to check the boxes and when that's there, hopefully I'll be playing.
Tanev, who played for the Calgary Flames last year before being shipped to the Dallas Stars at the Trade Deadline, has 17 points (2G, 15A) and an impressive +26 rating in 57 games; he is also averaging 19:47 of ice time per contest.
It's paramount that the Leafs return to full strength for what they hope will be a deep playoff push, and Tanev is a major part of that.
Tanev has been a huge bright spot for the Maple Leafs' revamped defense, and without him the team has certainly struggled to keep opponents at bay. Though rushing him back against a relentless Florida team could do more harm than good.
We'll see how things play out once Craig Berube makes his final decision; whenever that may be.