The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that defenceman Chris Tanev has undergone core muscle surgery and will miss the remainder of the season.
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Tanev, 36, is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season and will take part in training camp. He has been out for the majority of the year after suffering an upper-body injury against the Philadelphia Flyers on Nov. 1.
Tanev Out for the Season
The Maple Leafs have missed Tanev quite a bit. He appeared in just 11 games this season, missing 23 with a groin injury before the upper-body issue that ultimately ended his year. He has not returned to the lineup since being stretchered off the ice against the Flyers.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed the news during his post-practice media availability. Here is what he had to say about Tanev’s situation:
“He wanted to try to come back and play this year, but it didn’t work out,” Toronto coach Craig Berube said prior to their game at the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday. “He got the operation and it went successful, and he’ll be ready for camp next year.”
The Maple Leafs currently sit nine points out of a playoff spot and appear headed toward selling at the March 6 Trade Deadline.
