The 2025-26 season has been a rough go from an injury standpoint for the Toronto Maple Leafs. They’ve missed both Auston Matthews and William Nylander for significant periods of time, they’ve been without goaltender Anthony Stolarz for all but the first month of the season, and with the exception of a two-game return in December, they’ve been without defensive stalwart Chris Tanev in that time, too.

The Maple Leafs find themselves in a bit of a tricky situation with Tanev right now. It was reported on January 4 that Tanev was considering surgery for a groin injury that would see him miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season, but to date, no such surgery has occurred. Head coach Craig Berube confirmed as such to reporters on Wednesday.

“He’s still working through things,” Berube told reporters at morning skate. “He hasn’t got surgery yet. We’re still working through things.”

Berube then confirmed that Tanev was behind the call to put off surgery.

“That’s him. He wants to play.”

What makes this such a tough situation for both parties is whether or not it’s worth Tanev not playing at 100% to have him in the lineup. Of course, the Maple Leafs would love to have their ever-so reliable defenceman in the lineup and helping them win games, and Tanev clearly wants to be playing as well. But, is it something that would make sense for his long-term health? And would he be able to play at the level he wants to if he’s battling this ailment?

The Maple Leafs appear to be looking for insurance in the event that Tanev can’t go this season, but rest assured, if there’s a solution the team can come to where Tanev is healthy enough to get by and help them contribute, the two sides will find a middle ground.

The Leafs will take on their divisional rival Detroit Red Wings on Wednesday night before hosting the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday and the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday afternoon.

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