New update on Chris Tanev is pushing the Maple Leafs towards a trade decision

It's been an injury-laden season for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2025-26 but one player who was seemingly suffered the most is defenseman Chris Tanev. Dealing with his third consecutive injury that's kept him out of the lineup, this latest one doesn't look good at all.

There were reports that surgery could be on the table, and if that happened then fans would likely not see Tanev back until late in the year and more likely the playoffs; if they get there.

Well, we can now confirm that it seems like Tanev's season is likely over at least when it comes to the regular 82-game schedule.

David Pagnotta reports on The Hockey Show that Tanev's regular season is done for the regular season and now the Maple Leafs are going to look for ways to shore up their backend with the loss of their shutdown defender:

That's a terribly unfortunate turn of events for Tanev, who can't seem to catch a break and stay healthy; a rough stretch that has put his future career in serious jeopardy.

While we don't know the extent of what this injury is, but it's bad enough to need surgery and for him to miss the next couple of months at least. Combine that with two separate concussions suffered only a couple weeks apart and you have a recipe for disaster.

So now the question becomes who does Toronto go after?

Knowing the type of player Tanev is, the team is likely going to try and find someone who offers the same skillset. That means a big, tough brick wall who doesn't mind putting his body on the line for the team.

It could be Dougie Hamilton, though he would be a little expensive and be more of a two-way force. They could target Rasmus Andersson; who is very similar to Tanev but might not be guaranteed to stay in Toronto making for one expensive rental.

There's also Luke Schenn available but bringing in a 36-year old for the third time may not be the most savvy option however it's certainly one of the cheapest.

Other names could find themselves in the conversation as well such as Justin Faulk although that's more of an offensively focused player and someone who might not be the best replacement for Tanev.

Whoever the team does decide to go after, Toronto has to ensure it's someone who is most like Tanev - a revered, hard-working player who leads by example and isn't afraid to get a little reckless.

Though for Maple Leafs fans, they would like Tanev to ease up maybe a bit considering it's keeping him off the ice for a long time.

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