Chris Tanev injury update: Maple Leafs HC Craig Berube provides the latest on key D-man after scary collision

The Toronto Maple Leafs shared an update on defenseman Chris Tanev on Monday. Tanev was stretchered off the ice in the third period after a collision with Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov in Saturday’s 5-2 win.

The hit was shoulder-to-shoulder, but Tanev dropped on the ice after contact. Trainers attended to him and took him to a Philadelphia hospital for testing. Michkov received a minor penalty for interference on the play.

On Monday, NHL reporter Anna Dua shared a statement from Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube on X.

“He’s doing fine, he’s back home here… he stayed overnight for precautionary reasons,” Berube said.

Previously, on Saturday, Berube had mentioned that Tanev was moving after the hit and assured the media that he would be fine.

"He's moving and I think he'll be all right, but he's getting some tests done right now, so we'll know more in a little while," Berube said.

Tanev recorded an assist in the Flyers game, which was his first game back after missing four due to an upper-body injury. Now, he is once again going to miss several games.

On Sunday, the Maple Leafs announced that Chris Tanev was discharged from the hospital. He returned home to Toronto and was placed on injured reserve, retroactive to November 1. To fill in for Tanev, the Leafs had to recall defenseman Dakota Mermis from the AHL's Toronto Marlies.

Maple Leafs' defense lineup without Tanev for Monday's game against the Pittsburgh Penguins:

• Morgan Rielly - Brandon Carlo
• Simon Benoit - Jake McCabe
• Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Philippe Myers

Chris Tanev is a key player on defense and plays an important role in the team’s structure. He was playing for an average of 17:20 minutes over eight games, and his prolonged absence could definitely impact the Leafs' performance this season.

Auston Matthews comments on Chris Tanev's injury

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews was also questioned about Chris Tanev's situation on Sunday after their win over the Philadelphia Flyers. Responding to the reporters, he said that it was tough to watch Tanev leave the ice.

“It's a tough feeling... Anytime they're bringing out a stretcher, it's never a good feeling deep inside," Matthews said. "So, we're all obviously thinking about him and praying for him... Hopefully it's nothing too serious, but you never like seeing that happen.”

The Maple Leafs are now 6-5-1 after the first 12 games, and they are tied for sixth in the Atlantic Division. Their slow start has been a point of concern, especially after forward Mitch Marner's departure to Vegas.

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Edited by Ankit Kumar