NHL injury update: Leafs’ Chris Tanev sidelined with lower-body concerns ahead of next game

The hopes of the Toronto Maple Leafs to have a healthy roster have been struck again. Another setback to Toronto will be the absence of defenceman Chris Tanev in the next game because of a lower-body injury, which will further hurt their quest to rise up the Atlantic Division ladder. Tanev is one of the most important shutdown defenders. Hence, his absence is especially frightening since he had missed an earlier 23 games of the current season due to an upper-body problem.Tanev is infectious on the ice, as the teammates and even the analysts of the team refer to his presence on the ice due to his leadership, positioning, and dependability during critical situations.Chris Tanev, the central shutdown defenceman of the Toronto Maple Leafs, is injured with a lower-body injury and is a game-time decision, which leaves a major defensive void. Auston Matthews, the team captain, is also a game-time decision, having suffered a lower-body injury in the overtime defeat to the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. William Nylander is still on a day-to-day, and is unlikely to play a second consecutive game, which makes it even tougher on Toronto.The Maple Leafs recalled young centre Jacob Quillan in order to fill the gaps in the team, who is from the Toronto Marlies. He has been a promising prospect in the AHL this season, scoring 23 points in 26 games.The estimated team of Toronto will consist of both more experienced and younger players, where Tanev will most likely be missed on defence. The team has the New Jersey Devils as the next match in the NHL, and the team is expected to play well in order to defeat the existing wound problems.Also Read: Net worth of Auston Matthews in 2025: Details on Vegas Golden Knights captain's earnings, salary, and contracts