The Toronto Maple Leafs endured significant injury problems during a 2025-26 season that ended without a playoff appearance, and veteran defenseman Chris Tanev played only 11 games after suffering multiple injuries, ultimately undergoing season-ending surgery in March.
Tanev spoke on his recovery for the first time in an interview with the Toronto Star’s Dave Feschuk, revealing that he still needs medical clearance following core-muscle surgery.
However, Tanev plans to participate in the Maple Leafs training camp set to open in mid-September.
“We still have to check some boxes with the doctors,” Tanev said. “But the plan is for me to be out there day one of camp.”
Tanev suffered a concussion in October before sustaining a spinal injury during a November game against Philadelphia. The defenseman returned seven weeks later but injured his groin and core muscle three games into his comeback, leading to surgery.
“For the doctors it was probably pretty easy. It was like, ‘You need surgery.’ But for me it was tough,” Tanev said. “I was trying to rehab and get back to a place where I could potentially help the team if we did make playoffs. But obviously that didn’t happen.”
According to Feschuk, the 36-year-old spent the summer working with longtime trainer Gary Roberts and skating with NHL players including Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and his younger brother, Brandon Tanev.
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Tanev acknowledged there’s “nothing lingering” from the spinal injury and also made clear that going through the rehabilitation process has not diminished his desire to continue playing.
“I still love it. I still love playing. I love being around the guys, and I love working hard,” Tanev said. “So it wasn’t an easy rehab.”
Tanev is under contract through the 2030 campaign, when he will turn 40, at a cap hit of $4.5 million per season. The Maple Leafs’ training camp opens Thursday, Sept. 17, pending medical clearance.
