Nation Sites
The Nation Network
The LeafsNation has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, NHL, or NHLPA
Leafs practice notes: Chris Tanev skates in individual session

Photo credit: (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)
Feb 21, 2026, 12:05 ESTUpdated: Feb 21, 2026, 12:04 EST
Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev participated in an individual session during Saturday’s practice. Tanev skated on a separate pad, away from the main group on Saturday.
Head coach Craig Berube previously indicated that Tanev could potentially rejoin the team this season, after assessing how he skates through the week. Tanev was previously believed to be considering season-ending surgery for a groin injury.
“I think it is still early to talk about whether he is joining us here, but he seems pretty good,” Berube said of Tanev following Thursday’s practice. “Again, it will still be a day or two until we figure out if he is going to join us with the team. We’ll see. We’ll talk to him and see if he can get there by the weekend, but I am not sure yet.”
William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson haven’t returned to practice from the Olympics. Nylander and Ekman-Larsson both played for Sweden, and were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the United States. Auston Matthews will captain the United States in Sunday’s gold medal game against Canada. Matthews and the United States are seeking their first gold medal in Olympic men’s hockey since 1980.
With Matthews, Nylander and Ekman-Larsson all unavailable, the lines at Saturday’s practice operated as placeholders. Easton Cowan primarily skated in place of Matthews with Bobby McMann and Max Domi on the wings, via line rushes posted by David Alter of The Hockey News. Calle Jarnkrok skated in Nylander’s normal place on the second line right wing, alongside Matias Maccelli and John Tavares.
Joseph Woll returned to practice after missing a previous session due to illness.
Toronto resumes its schedule on February 25 against the Atlantic Division-leading Tampa Bay Lightning.
Maple Leafs’ lines
Bobby McMann-Easton Cowan-Max Domi
Matias Maccelli-John Tavares-Calle Jarnkrok
Matthew Knies-Nicolas Roy-Nick Robertson
Steven Lorentz-Scott Laughton-Dakota Joshua
Morgan Rielly-Brandon Carlo
Jake McCabe-Troy Stecher
Simon Benoit-Philippe Myers
Joseph Woll
Anthony Stolarz
Recent articles from Arun Srinivasan
- Leafs development camp notebook: McKenna steals the show, Nansi’s improved skating, Bilecki’s full circle moment
- Leafs GM John Chayka explains strategy to pursue Sergei Bobrovsky, depth forwards on Canada Day
- Maple Leafs acquire Nick Paul from Lightning for Dennis Hildeby, 2027 4th, 2028 3rd-round pick
Breaking News
- Leafs development camp notebook: McKenna steals the show, Nansi’s improved skating, Bilecki’s full circle moment
- Maple Leafs’ Colton Sissons looking to bring more grit to Toronto’s lineup next season
- Maple Leafs fans share their thoughts on a busy Day 1 of NHL free agency
- Gavin McKenna feels the excitement around Maple Leafs following Day 1 of free agency
- The Maple Leafs are better today. How much better is up for debate: Leafs Morning Take
