What Happened
Chris Tanev told reporters Friday he expects to return to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup Saturday against the Vancouver Canucks. The 36-year-old defenceman practiced for the first time since being injured earlier this month in a win over the Colorado Avalanche. He skated alongside Morgan Rielly. Tanev had one assist in six games before the injury. His return would help a Toronto blue line missing Nick Blankenburg and Marshall Rifai, both recently placed on injured reserve.
Key Details
- Tanev said Friday he is ready to play Saturday against Vancouver.
- He was injured earlier this month in a win over Colorado.
- Tanev practiced Friday for the first time since the injury, paired with Morgan Rielly.
- He had one assist in six games before being sidelined.
- Blankenburg and Rifai, who filled in for Tanev, are both on injured reserve.
- Tanev, 36, played only 11 games last season and had core muscle surgery in March.
What It Means
Toronto's defence has been stretched by injuries, with Blankenburg and Rifai unavailable. Tanev's return adds a veteran presence to the blue line, though his recent injury history, including just 11 games last season, makes his durability a question. Facing his former team, the Canucks, adds a personal angle to the matchup.
What's Next
Tanev is expected to play Saturday when the Maple Leafs host the Canucks at 7 p.m. ET. His return would ease pressure on a depleted Toronto defence.