The Toronto Maple Leafs shared a major injury update on veteran defenseman Chris Tanev. This update arrived before their matchup with the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night.
The team confirmed that Tanev underwent successful core muscle surgery in New York City. Leafs PR announced the news on X.
"Maple Leafs D Chris Tanev underwent successful core muscle surgery today in New York City," the team said. "He is expected to fully participate in training in September."
The procedure officially ends Tanev’s 2025–26 season. The veteran defenseman appeared in only 11 games before injuries forced him out of the lineup for extended stretches.
Tanev finished the season with two assists, eight shots, two hits, a +8 rating and 15 blocked shots. Despite the limited sample, he remained a reliable defensive presence when available.
His season turned difficult early after a concussion on Oct. 21. Just days after returning, he suffered another concussion in a collision with Matvei Michkov on Nov. 1. The hit forced him off the ice on a stretcher.
Tanev returned again in late December but played only three games before a groin injury against the Detroit Red Wings sidelined him once more. The defenseman later considered surgery after failing to recover during the Olympic break.
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The Maple Leafs eventually placed him on long-term injured reserve. The move provided the team with roughly $4.5 million in salary cap relief ahead of the trade deadline.
Tanev remains under contract with Toronto through the 2029-30 season. The 36-year-old signed a six-year, $27 million deal that includes a no-movement clause.
Toronto enters Wednesday’s game against New Jersey hoping to end a four-game losing skid. The Maple Leafs hold a 27-24-10 record and sit seventh in the Atlantic Division.
With Tanev sidelined for the rest of the season, Toronto will continue to rely on its remaining defense group. They are pushing to regain momentum down the stretch.