Maple Leafs finally clarify Chris Tanev injury situation after surgery concerns surface
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs provide an update on Chris Tanev's surgery status, but still leave things uncertain.
Uncertainty still looms for the Toronto Maple Leafs as the status of defenseman Chris Tanev remains unclear with the potential of surgery looming.
Tanev, who was injured in a game back on November 1st against the Philadelphia Flyers, skated with the Leafs earlier today as he decides his next steps.
If he chooses, could undergo surgery, leaving him out of the lineup for a currently indefinite amount of time, but would almost surely have him out for all of 2025, and potentially up until the Olympic break.
Leafs head coach Craig Berube spoke on Tanev's injury, indicating where he believes the 36-year-old's health is, and if surgery would be needed in his eyes.
What Craig Berube said about Chris Tanev potentially needing surgery
Speaking to reporters after Tanev participated in an optional skate earlier today, Berube said that the decision on Tanev needing surgery or not hasn't been decided yet.
However, Berube also didn't appear to see surgery as the likely scenario, telling reporters that he doesn't see Tanev getting surgery, but said that he'd have to wait for any certainty.
If Tanev doesn't need surgery, him already skating could be a positive sign that he won't be absent for long, although for now Tanev is practicing with a no-contact jersey.
When the decision for Tanev to get surgery isn't known, but could potentially come as early as later this week.
What Chris Tanev's Timeline Might Look For Toronto
Chris Tanev could either need or avoid surgery but still not miss major time, and have a good chance at returning before the end of the regular season.
It's unclear the specifics of Tanev's exact surgery needs, but Nick Kypreos reported that the surgery wouldn't keep Tanev out for the whole of the regular season and he'd be able to likely return beforehand.
Surgery would have Tanev miss a few months, although potentially the best case scenario would be Tanev returning around the Olympic break in February.
If Tanev doesn't need surgery, it could line him up for a return before the end of the year, depending on his health, already skating with the team.
Regardless of whether or not surgery is needed, there is some reason for careful optimism that Chris Tanev won't face too length of an absence.
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DECEMBRE 11 | 967 ANSWERS Maple Leafs finally clarify Chris Tanev injury situation after surgery concerns surface Will Chris Tanev be ready to return by the end of 2025? | ||
| Yes | 479 | 49.5 % |
| No | 488 | 50.5 % |
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