Maple Leafs Lose Chris Tanev for Rest of Season After Core Muscle Surgery

Tanev's injury is another blow to the struggling Maple Leafs as they fight to stay in playoff contention.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have been dealt a major blow with the news that defenseman Chris Tanev will miss the rest of the season after undergoing core muscle surgery. Tanev has already missed significant time this season due to a groin injury and an upper-body injury that required him to be taken off the ice on a stretcher. Head coach Craig Berube said Tanev will be ready for training camp next season.

Why it matters

The Maple Leafs have struggled this season, sitting near the bottom of the Atlantic Division with a 27-24 record. Tanev's absence is another significant injury that will make it even harder for the team to climb back into playoff position in the final stretch of the season.

The details

Tanev signed a six-year, $27 million contract with the Maple Leafs in the summer of 2024. He has only played in 11 games this season, recording two assists. The Maple Leafs will have to find a way to replace Tanev's defensive presence and leadership as they try to turn their season around.

  • Tanev has missed 23 games this season due to a groin injury.
  • Tanev also missed 27 of 28 games earlier this season because of an upper-body injury.
  • Tanev had to be taken off the ice on a stretcher against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The players

Chris Tanev

A defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs who recently underwent core muscle surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2025-26 NHL season.

Craig Berube

The head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who stated that Tanev will be ready for training camp next season.

Auston Matthews

The star center for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who was critical of the team's performance after a recent loss to the Ottawa Senators.

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What they’re saying

“He wanted to try to come back and play this year, but it didn't work out. He got the operation and it went successful, and he'll be ready for camp next year.”

— Craig Berube, Head Coach (NHL.com)

“I thought we started better. We just kind of lost it there. Just really disconnected throughout all three zones. Just bad. Just fairly embarrassing, to be honest with you. We need to have more pride in our play, no matter where we're at, no matter what the situation is.”

— Auston Matthews (Sportsnet)

What’s next

The Maple Leafs will have to find a way to replace Tanev's defensive contributions as they try to climb back into playoff position in the final stretch of the season.

The takeaway

Tanev's season-ending injury is another blow to the struggling Maple Leafs, who will need to show more pride and determination in their play if they hope to make a late-season push for the playoffs.