The Toronto Maple Leafs placed defenseman Chris Tanev on injured reserve with an upper-body injury, and he is week to week. The move is retroactive to Oct. 10, according to NHL.com‘s status report.
Tanev was hurt during Toronto’s 6-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday, leaving the game at 11:08 of the first period. He has not played since.
Injury Designation And Timeline
NHL.com listed Tanev’s status as week to week with the upper-body injury, a designation that stops short of a firm return date. No further detail on the injury’s severity or location has been reported, and the Maple Leafs have not issued a separate statement beyond the IR placement.
Who Fills In On Toronto’s Blue Line
Tanev’s absence thins an already shorthanded Toronto defense corps. The Maple Leafs also placed defenseman William Villeneuve on injured reserve as he recovers from knee surgery, and they put defenseman Cade Webber on injured reserve as well, according to Yahoo Sports‘ live coverage of Toronto’s game against the Buffalo Sabres. No corresponding call-up or depth-chart addition has been announced to specifically replace Tanev’s spot in the lineup.
Tanev’s Role This Season
Tanev has appeared in six games for Toronto this season, recording one assist. He is tied for the team lead with 14 blocked shots, a number that reflects his standing as a defensive-minded shutdown presence on the back end. The blocked-shot total underscores how much of his value comes from work away from the scoresheet, which is part of why his absence matters for a Maple Leafs defense now down three bodies to injury.
What’s Next
The Maple Leafs host the Buffalo Sabres on Monday at 7 p.m. ET. No timetable for his activation off injured reserve has been given beyond the week-to-week designation, and the next update on his status is expected as Toronto continues its schedule. Readers can follow the team’s latest matchup in the Total Apex Sports Sabres vs Maple Leafs preview.
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