Leafs activate Chris Tanev from injured reserve

Some good news for the Toronto Maple Leafs heading into an important game on Saturday night.

The Maple Leafs have activated defenseman Chris Tanev from injured reserve, with the veteran expected to return to the lineup when the team visits the Vancouver Canucks.

Tanev was hurt during the first period of the Maple Leafs’ matchup with the Colorado Avalanche back on Oct. 10. The injury was severe enough to place the 36-year-old on injured reserve. He has since missed the past nine games, with Toronto going 4-4-1 during that span. However, the team has lost its past two matchups, falling to the Calgary Flames and Seattle Kraken in regulation.

The Toronto native has posted one assist in six appearances this season, with a +1 plus/minus and 16:51 of ice time.

The latest injury adds to a laundry list of ailments that have plagued Tanev throughout his NHL career. Despite being one of the more reliable and efficient blueliners when he’s on the ice, his inability to stay in the lineup has earned him a less-than-ideal reputation. He has had multiple concussions throughout his tenure in the league, including suffering a scary injury last year against the Philadelphia Flyers that led to him being transported to a hospital.

Thanks to the various ailments, Tanev was limited to just 11 games during the 2025-26 season. He underwent core muscle surgery last March to help him get back to 100 percent ahead of the new campaign. However, the injury cloud continues to hover over the right-handed defender.

Tanev has never competed in every regular-season game in his NHL career. In 884 appearances, he has scored 36 goals and 211 points, with another 16 points in 73 Stanley Cup Playoff appearances. He’s in the third season of his six-year contract, which carries an AAV of $4.5 million with a full no-move clause.

Puck drop between the Leafs (7-6-2) and Canucks is set for 7 p.m. ET.