The Toronto Maple Leafs have been without star defenseman Chris Tanev for most of the season after he suffered separate injuries at different points earlier this campaign.
Following the most recent updates, however, that absence might extend as far as next fall as the blueliner could be ruled out for the remainder of the 2025–26 season.
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Tanev, 36, is expected to meet with a surgeon this week to determine whether he’ll need a procedure on the groin injury suffered during a Dec. 28 loss to the Detroit Red Wings.
If surgery is required, he would be sidelined until late April or early May, according to a report by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, meaning the Leafs might opt to deactivate him for the rest of the campaign.
“Chris Tanev’s regular-season may be over. Per sources, Tanev is meeting with a surgeon in the coming week to determine next steps,” Pagnotta reported on X. “If they move forward with surgery, he is expected to be out until late-April/early-May.”
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If placed on season-ending long-term injured reserve, Tanev would be ineligible to return during the regular season or playoffs. That designation, however, would come with the positive of opening salary cap space in the Leafs’ books, although it would also officially close the door on his season.
Toronto head coach Craig Berube already hinted at a long-term absence in a press conference last week.
“Chris Tanev is going to miss some time, significant time,” Berube said on New Year’s Eve. “They’re looking at things going forward here… he’s going to be out a while.”
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Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev (8) skates against the Florida Panthers.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Tanev has appeared in just 11 games this season, scoring two points (both assists) in those outings. He returned in late December after missing all games from Nov. 1 through Dec. 22, but lasted only three games before landing back on injured reserve.
Signed to a six-year, $27 million deal in 2024, Tanev has struggled with durability in his second year with Toronto after appearing in 75 regular-season games last year.
Tanev’s absence will add more pressure to the Leafs’ blue line, already dealing with injuries to Jake McCabe, Brandon Carlo and Dakota Mermis.
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Toronto (19–15–7) is scheduled to practice on Monday, with an update on Tanev expected to arrive at that time. The Leafs will then host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.