Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev skated in an individual session, prior to Saturday’s game against the Boston Bruins. Tanev was taken off on a stretcher during a November 2 game against the Philadelphia Flyers, and was discharged from the hospital the following morning.

The 35-year-old is on injured reserve and doesn’t appear to be returning to the lineup anytime soon.

Tanev collided with Flyers forward Matvei Michkov and crashed into the ice awkwardly, before flashing a thumbs up sign to the crowd upon leaving the game. He is the Maple Leafs’ best defensive presence and is one of the NHL’s elite shot blockers. Tanev recorded two assists in eight games this season.

“He’s doing well. Every time I’ve talked to him since, he’s seemed like just himself,” Maple Leafs defenceman Brandon Carlo said Saturday morning about Tanev. “That’s what you like to see. He’s got bright eyes and a bushy tail in the morning. He’s a great player, he’s a huge part of this group, obviously he wants to be on the ice. First and foremost, we care most about the human being but I’ve been happy to see how he’s been looking in the morning, he’s not looking down or anything like that. He looks great.”

Dakota Mermis has taken Tanev’s place in the lineup subsequently. Mermis has appeared in two games and hasn’t registered a point.

Tanev is a long-term component of the Maple Leafs’ future, after signing a six-year contract with the team in July 2024. The team is taking every caution with Tanev after suffering two head injuries through the early portion of the season.

“It’s a tough feeling,” Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews said of Carlo, following the November 2 game. “He’s such an integral part of this team that brings so much experience. Anytime they’re bringing out a stretcher, it’s never a good feeling deep inside. So, we’re all obviously thinking about him and praying for him and hoping for the best. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious, but you never like seeing that happen.”

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