Update emerges on Chris Tanev ahead of Maple Leafs road trip

Since leaving Nov 1st. against the Philadelphia Flyers after being hit by Matvei Michkov, defenseman Chris Tanev has been trying to work his way back from two rapid-fire injuries with that latest one knocking him out for over a month.

He's been working his way back through practices even if he's still seeking a second opinion about his health, and though things have shown there's no real direct and transparent timetable for his return, he is getting close.

However, a new update from the Toronto Maple Leafs show that Tanev could be closer to a return that anticipated; albeit it's not an official statement on the matter.

The Maple Leafs X account posted the team leaving for their game in Washington and embarking on their three-game road trip, and showed off various players heading to D.C.

One of those players included Tanev, which is a great sign that although he may not be ready to go on Thursday, the team could see him return at some point on the road.

Again, nothing is guaranteed regarding a Tanev return, and we still have no word yet on what the doctor giving the second opinion thinks.

But nonetheless it's a great sign towards an eventual return and considering that right now Toronto needs as much help defensively as they can; it's the perfect time.

Toronto will need to make a statement on this road trip and they have a great opportunity to earn at least four points coming out of it; so long as they play like they did in the last ten minutes of Tuesday's game vs. Chicago.

Having Tanev is going to be a big part of that not only because he brings the locker room together and is a leader on and off the ice, but his defensive tenacity and intelligence is leaps and bounds an improvement over guys like Philippe Myers.

Although he has only skated in eight games so far this season, he has two assists and a plus-five rating with eight blocks and no PIM. He was doing very much 'Chris Tanev' things and was one of Toronto's early bright spots on defense.

If the team decides to bring him back on Thursday, it would be rushing him back too soon, and even Saturday vs. Nashville is a tough ask. But it's very possible we could see him return the Sunday vs. Dallas, and with the Maple Leafs needing to be on their toes; Tanev would help that.

Whatever the case, Tanev being on the road trip is a positive step towards his return, whenever that actually ends up being though is still up in the air.