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Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev may need surgery after multiple concussions


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Alexander Cole
December 9, 2025  (5:42 PM)
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Oct 18, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (8) skates during the warmup before a game against the Seattle Kraken at Scotiabank Arena.
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is one of the best players on the team, but the latest update from Nick Kypreos is very concerning for the team.

After suffering two concussions earlier this season, it finally felt as though defenseman Chris Tanev was close to a return to the lineup.
He had been practicing with a contact jersey, and tomorrow, he is going to be evaluated by the Maple Leafs' team doctors to see what's next.
In the minds of fans, this meant that Tanev was a shoo-in to come back to the lineup before Christmas. As it turns out, this may not be the case.
A new report from Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet indicates that Chris Tanev could miss a few more months due to an elective surgery.

Nick Kypreos reveals Chris Tanev might get surgery

As Kypreos explains, the defenseman will have to speak with the doctors about what is best for his long-term health. If there is structural damage to his neck and back, then something needs to be done.
Tanev/the team are considering whether or not he will have some sort of structural surgery that will help him return, a decision on that will be made this week. If he does lean towards having surgery, the hope would be for him to return before end of regular season.
This is the worst possible news for the Toronto Maple Leafs right now. They were supposed to get a defenseman back, but now, that looks unlikely.
Of course, Kypreos could be wrong, and Tanev could decide that it's better for him to forego the surgery and just come back to the lineup.
Unfortunately, this would come with the risk of making his injury worse, and then the defenseman would be in a much worse position.
Needless to say, there will be lots of anticipation in Toronto tomorrow as fans and the media await Tanev's decision.
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DECEMBRE 9   |   598 ANSWERS
Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev may need surgery after multiple concussions

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