What Happened
The Toronto Maple Leafs erased a deficit to beat the Colorado Avalanche 6-3 in Denver, with William Nylander posting five points and earning First Star honours. The win was overshadowed by Chris Tanev leaving in the first period with an undisclosed upper-body injury after a bump from behind by Colorado's Artturi Lehkonen. Tanev, 36, did not return. Nylander and teammate Nick Blankenburg both said after the game they hoped the injury was not serious.
Key Details
- Tanev was hurt in the first period on a bump from behind by Artturi Lehkonen.
- The injury is described as upper-body and undisclosed; he did not return.
- Tanev played only 11 games in 2025-26 and had core muscle surgery in the spring.
- A Nov. 1 knock from Matvei Michkov left the recently concussed Tanev stretchered off and hospitalized.
- Nylander had five points in the win and was named First Star.
- The injury came in Toronto's Game 6 of 2026-27.
What It Means
Tanev's early exit is a significant concern for a Toronto blue line that relies on him as a shutdown presence alongside Jake McCabe. The 36-year-old has a recent history of serious injuries, including a concussion and core muscle surgery, and played just 11 games last season. General manager John Chayka had said Tanev was healthy to start the year, so another upper-body issue in Game 6 raises immediate questions about his availability and the Leafs' defensive depth.
What's Next
The Maple Leafs are expected to provide an update on Tanev's condition and whether he will miss time. Toronto must also plan for his possible absence on the back end.