After missing five games, defenseman Chris Tanev practiced with the Leafs and hasn't been ruled out for Thursday’s crucial matchup against Florida.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been battling through injuries, and one of the biggest absences has been defenseman Chris Tanev. Sidelined for the last five games with an upper-body injury, Tanev’s presence on the blue line has been sorely missed. However, there’s finally some good news—he hit the ice for practice ahead of Thursday’s pivotal showdown against the Florida Panthers, and while his return isn’t guaranteed, he hasn’t been ruled out.
Tanev’s absence has been glaring. Without their most reliable defenseman, the Leafs have struggled to hold onto leads, evident in frustrating losses to powerhouse teams like Colorado and Vegas. While Toronto managed to scrape out a shootout win against Utah, the challenges are far from over. Florida, the current division leader, presents a tough test, and the Leafs could use all the reinforcements they can get.
The team’s injury list has been piling up. Max Pacioretty remains out indefinitely, Jani Hakanpaa’s career is in doubt, and even Auston Matthews is reportedly dealing with an undisclosed issue. Despite all that, the Leafs need to stay competitive in the playoff race, making Tanev’s potential return even more crucial.
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Although Tanev didn’t practice with a regular defensive pair, he expressed optimism about his recovery. If he’s cleared to play, it would be a massive boost for Toronto’s defensive stability against a high-powered Panthers squad. With the postseason looming, getting their defensive anchor back at the right time could be the difference between success and struggle.
Image Credit Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
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