Chris Tanev has proven to be one of the best defenseman on the Toronto Maple Leafs this season and the player has been integral to this blue line's success.
However, last night against the Boston Bruins, the defenseman was hit along the boards by Boston Bruins player John Beecher, and it led to a swift exit from the game.
The Leafs were lucky as they somehow came away with a 5-4 overtime win despite being down 3-0 in the second period.
Having said that, the Maple Leafs were not so lucky after the game as Tanev was seen leaving the arena with a sling on his right arm, signaling that he might be dealing with a shoulder injury.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube was asked about the injury and whether or not Tanev will be back soon.
This led to a disappointing and worrisome answer as revealed that Tanev still needs to have tests done before the team can give a real diagnosis.
Tanev has two goals and 15 assists this season with a +26 net rating. He was on for a goal against last night prior to leaving the game. He had played just 49 seconds.
Perhaps one of the most concerning parts of Berube's admission is the revelation that William Nylander was too hurt to play in the overtime.
Luckily, Mitch Marner got the game winner, however, this is not a good sign especially with the New York Rangers coming up on Friday.
The Maple Leafs need to stay healthy over this next stretch of hockey, and they cannot afford to be losing their best guys.
If Tanev misses more than a few games, than that blue line is going to suffer, especially if Brad Treliving struggles to find himself a new go-to guy come the trade deadline.
POLL | ||
FEVRIER 26 | 275 ANSWERS Chris Tanev's Post-Game Attire Spells Trouble for the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you believe Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev will be out for a long time? | ||
YES | 74 | 26.9 % |
NO | 201 | 73.1 % |
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