Flames’ Chris Tanev leaves game after taking puck to the head

A scary scene in Montreal. Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev exited Monday night’s game against the Montreal Canadiens after taking a puck to the head. The incident occurred almost ten minutes into the second period when Tanev blocked a one-timer from Canadiens’ captain Nick Suzuki. 

Tanev, 32, was able to get up and be helped off with assistance from medical personnel. He has registered five assists in 23 games so far this season. Tanev has had a lengthy history of injuries throughout his career. In 2019 while with the Vancouver Canucks, he suffered a season-ending ankle injury. Another injury forced him to miss four games during the Flames’ 2022 playoff run and in May, he underwent surgery for a torn labrum. It was reported that Tanev had played part of the playoff series against the Edmonton Oilers with a torn shoulder and a sprained neck. He also missed two games at the start of November due to an upper-body injury. This is Tanev’s third season with the Flames and last season he registered a career-high 28 points (6G, 22A) in 82 games. He recorded one assist and 19:34 of ice time in eight playoff games with the Flames. 

Tanev signed with the Flames in October 2020. He signed a four-year $18 million contract that holds an average annual value of $4.5 million. Prior to signing with the Flames, Tanev was with the Canucks and became a crucial part of their organization alongside young defenceman Quinn Hughes. Throughout his time in Vancouver, he registered 118 points in 514 regular season games, as well as 10 points (1G, 9A) in 33 playoff games.