Leafs’ Chris Tanev waiting on clearance heading into training camp
It’s not hard to identify the stars on the Toronto Maple Leafs. Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and John Tavares headline a group of forwards that have largely defined this era of Leafs hockey. Rookie winger Gavin McKenna, taken first overall at this year’s NHL Entry Draft, will garner plenty of his own attention this season.
Often, however, an under-the-radar player can be just as important to a team’s success as their marquee names. For Toronto, that player is defenseman Chris Tanev.
The 36-year-old blueliner is entering his third season with the Leafs after signing a six-year, $27 million deal with the team as a free agent in July of 2024. He quickly proved his value to Toronto in the 2024-25 season, playing 75 games while averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time as the Leafs’ primary shutdown defender, helping them to an Atlantic Division crown.
Last season was a completely different story for Tanev, as he played just 11 games due to multiple injuries, including a groin and core muscle injury suffered in late December that ultimately ended his season. Toronto severely missed Tanev’s presence, as they finished last in the Atlantic while allowing the second-most goals in the NHL.
The Toronto native had surgery in March to repair his core muscle injury, and plans to be ready for the Leafs’ upcoming training camp.
Tanev spoke to The Toronto Star‘s Dave Feschuk, and discussed his decision to undergo the surgery.
“For the doctors it was probably pretty easy. It was like, ‘You need surgery.’ But for me it was tough,” Tanev said. “I was trying to rehab and get back to a place where I could potentially help the team if we did make playoffs. But obviously that didn’t happen.”
Tanev has yet to be cleared to play, but is optimistic he’ll be ready to go when the time comes.
“We still have to check some boxes with the doctors,” Tanev said. “But the plan is for me to be out there day one of camp.”
The Leafs are certainly counting on Tanev returning to full strength, as they’ll need his steady presence on the back end to return to the playoffs in 2027.
