Why Chris Tanev injury will put a dent in Maple Leafs’ playoff hopes

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There was one last shot of bad news for the Maple Leafs as 2025 came to a close.

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The Leafs’ fight to remain in contention will have to be done without Chris Tanev, their defensive linchpin and veteran stalwart on the blue line.

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Following an optional practice at the Ford Performance Centre on Wednesday, coach Craig Berube said Tanev will miss “significant time” after suffering a groin injury in the overtime loss on Sunday in Detroit against the Red Wings.

“They’re looking at things going forward, so I’m not going to speculate on what they’re going to exactly do, but he’s going to be out a while,” Berube said. “It’s kind of a freak thing more than anything. It’s unfortunate for him. You feel for him, what he’s gone through this year, and us too.”

Tanev appeared to suffer the injury in the third period as he poked the puck away from Red Wings forward Alex DeBrincat in the defensive zone. As Berube indicated, it didn’t look like the kind of play that would result in a significant injury. There was no contact between the two players and a small jump by Tanev on the play did not look strenuous.

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What does the Tanev injury mean for the Leafs?

There’s no way to sugarcoat it. The Leafs’ ability to stay in the playoff race — they were three points out of the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference before games on New Year’s Eve — will take a big hit with Tanev out.

Because of various injuries, the 36-year-old has played in just 11 games this season. His absence accounts for one reason why the Leafs’ defensive play hasn’t been what it was last season. Tanev’s calm demeanour, ability to move the puck out of danger and overall warrior mentality have been missed.

“You’re not going to replace that, but we have a lot of heart-and-soul guys in here,” Berube said. “Like last night’s game (a 4-0 victory over the visiting New Jersey Devils), guys just went out and did their job and checked and everybody stepped it up a little.

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“We’re going to have to continue to do the same thing.”

When the Leafs signed Tanev to a six-year contract in the summer of 2024, there were some concerns about his long-term durability given the way he plays the game. That he’s going to miss the majority of the 2025-26 season once it’s done is a harsh reality for the Leafs.

How is Tanev holding up?

“Well, it’s tough,” Berube said. “He wants to be out there helping the team. It has been hard on him.”

What about Auston Matthews and the other injured Leafs?

OK, so it wasn’t all bad as the Leafs head into the new year.

Auston Matthews was one of nine Leafs who were on the practice ice on Wednesday, and as he recovers from a lower-body injury (foot), he appeared to be in good working order. Nothing that Matthews did indicated a hindrance in his movement.

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The Leafs should have a clearer idea on Thursday morning following their skate whether Matthews, who did not play versus the Devils, is in the lineup against the Winnipeg Jets at Scotiabank Arena that night.

William Nylander, out the past two games with a lower-body injury, was not among the on-ice participants. It would be unusual for Nylander to return after not having skated the day before, so don’t count on seeing him versus the Jets.

Winger Dakota Joshua, after suffering an internal injury to his kidney on Sunday, remained in Detroit to visit his mother before he returns to Toronto. Joshua, like Tanev, will miss significant time, as well.

Defenceman Brandon Carlo (foot) is closing in on a return, a development that should soften the blow of the Tanev news. Carlo has been out since Nov. 13, and could be back as early as Saturday when the Leafs visit the New York Islanders.

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And goalie Anthony Stolarz on Wednesday skated for the first time since he suffered an upper-body injury on Nov. 11 in Boston against the Bruins. There remains no timeline for the return of Stolarz, though there’s no rush as Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby continue to provide solid goaltending.

As a new year dawns, where does Berube find a source of optimism?

The Leafs finished December with three wins in four games and seven of a possible eight points.

There have been improvements in crucial areas that were lacking earlier in the season, especially on the power play and in net. Combine those factors with a penalty-kill that was fourth in the National Hockey League before Wednesday, and there are those good vibes that have been earned as 2026 starts.

“The determination right now and the attitude we have around here, I think the attitude has been really good, even before Christmas,” Berube said. “Things always don’t go your way (in) games and but the guys come the next day with a positive attitude, and we’re going to have to continue to do that.

“It’s going to be a dog fight in January. We know that, but I love the attitude we have right now.”

tkoshan@postmedia.com

X: @koshtorontosun

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