Chris Tanev Says 'Don’t Agree With It’ As Toronto Maple Leafs Rest Him Again Against Minnesota Wild

Chris Tanev will miss another Toronto Maple Leafs game as the team manages the veteran defenceman's workload. He is out for Thursday's meeting with the Minnesota Wild, with Cole McWard taking his place. It is the second time in five days that Tanev has been held out, after missing Sunday's 4-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils. Toronto is trying to keep him available for longer stretches after a season affected by injuries. Head coach Jim Hiller confirmed Tanev is expected back Saturday.

Toronto Takes a Cautious Approach With Tanev

The 36-year-old has appeared in only 10 games this season and has one assist. Last season, injuries limited him to 11 appearances, including a concussion. He has missed time with an upper-body injury.

Tanev has said he does not agree with being rested, but understands the reason behind it. He explained that the aim is to have him healthy for the important stretch later in the season.

“Yeah, it is what it is,” Tanev said Monday. “I mean, don't agree with it, but I understand where he's coming from. Haven't really been healthy for the last year, so I think he wants me to be able to play in January and February and March. So, yeah, I guess being available during that stretch will benefit the team and I do think John wants what's best for me too as well.”

Tanev is in the third year of a six-year, $27 million contract. General manager John Chayka is overseeing the plan to manage his availability.

Jim Hiller Confirms Tanev's Return Date

Hiller declined to explain the decision to sit Tanev against Minnesota, but said the defenceman would play in the next game.

“I think he knows we have his best interests at heart,” Hiller said. “He's a good teammate. He's a good player, and when he's called upon, he plays hard.”

Hiller called Tanev a “really important player” and said the decision involved input from the team's staff and sports science resources.

Cole McWard Steps Into the Lineup

McWard will replace Tanev against the Wild. He has played 10 NHL games since making his debut in 2023-24. Tanev had been skating on Toronto's third defensive pairing during Wednesday's practice.

The Maple Leafs enter the game having lost six of their past seven. They have also dropped the first four games of their six-game homestand. Hiller confirmed Anthony Stolarz will start in goal, while Brendan Brisson has been called up. Toronto will try to end its slide against Minnesota.