Maple Leafs get a huge boost on the blue line ahead of Calgary game

Toronto got a huge return ahead of their game against Calgary as Chris Tanev took the ice during practice, albeit in a red non-contact jersey.

So far this season, the Maple Leafs have done pretty well despite a slew of injuries. They have rattled off four wins in a row, and while they haven't been perfect every game - things are turning around.

Heading into Monday's game against the Flames, they are in for a tough clash as Calgary is a winner of three straight and four of their last five; not exactly the results from a supposed weak team. It's not going to be easy but with the firepower they've shown and an improved level of defense, things could end up with another win for the Maple Leafs.

Toronto sees a huge boost on the blue line at Monday's practice

And Monday also brought some very good news when it comes to an injury return:

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Although he was in a red non-contact jersey, Chris Tanev was seen skating with the rest of the team as he works towards getting back into the lineup. It was a hugely positive sign for the veteran defender who was slated to miss upwards of six weeks.

We're on week two of his absence, and though the team has done well in the wake of his injury, he would help even more, and he does seem to be the glue that keeps the blue line meshed together.

Tanev has appeared in six games and has registered one assist so far, and has 14 blocks - averaging over two a game. It's exactly what you expect from Tanev, though you have to question what the backup plan is going to be if he goes down again.

Tanev is certainly going to help Toronto, but can't be trusted to stay healthy

There is a chance that when Tanev comes back, he manages to stay healthy and give the Maple Leafs exactly what they need in their own end.

But that's a very slim chance. Look, nothing against Tanev. As a player he's fantastic and reliable, and an even better human being. Beloved by everyone, he's as old-school as you can get in this modern NHL landscape.

He also has a terrible habit of getting hurt, and getting hurt for a long time. Last year he appeared in only 11 games before several different injuries kept him away. Prior to his time in Toronto, Tanev dealt with injuries in Vancouver and Calgary including a broken finger, and two separate injuries that kept him out for 10+ games.

For his career he's missed a total of 245 games in the regular season, which equates to only appearing in 63.4% of his potential career games. That's not really great when it comes to being reliable, and he's missed a total of 85 games since coming to Toronto.

If he can prove that he can actually stay healthy, then the Maple Leafs are going to be in even better hands going forward. But historically, Tanev hasn't been able to hang around long and it might be time to think of a Plan B.

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