Craig Berube Provides Update on Leafs' Chris Tanev Following Jarring Scene in Philly
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro | 2025
Leafs head coach Craig Berube has provided an update on defenceman Chris Tanev after he left the game on a stretcher following a scary collision with Matvei Michkov.
When Chris Tanev returned to the Leafs' lineup on Saturday night after missing the past four games with a concussion, I don't think anyone was expecting what would come next.
Tanev Stretchered Off in Third
Midway through the third period, as he was skating backwards across the Leafs' blueline, the 35-year-old Tanev was run into from behind by Matvei Michkov, snapping his neck back and sending him crashing face down onto the ice.
The rugged blueliner was eventually taken off the ice on a stretcher and sent to the hospital for observation.
The good news is that when being wheeled off the ice, Tanev was awake and responsive, issuing a thumbs up to let everyone know he was okay.
Craig Berube Provides Surprising Update on Tanev
Following the Leafs' 5-2 win over the Flyers, the health of Tanev was quite obviously on everyone's minds. Thankfully, Leafs coach Craig Berube had somewhat of a positive update.
"He is getting some more tests done now, but he is moving. I think he'll be alright, but he is getting some tests done right now. We'll know more in a little while. He is getting some tests done, and we'll know soon. He might be coming home with us."
The fact that Tanev may be well enough to fly home with the Leafs is astounding when you consider the fact that he was motionless in the middle of the ice and needed to be put on a stretcher.
Rule Change Coming?
Michkov received a minor penalty following a review of the collision, but likely should have been a major penalty, given that Tanev did not have the puck, and was hit on his blind side.
Is this a bit of a freak incident? Sure, but, it's something that the league and players need to take a longer look at. The game is fast, and things happen, but some of these incidents are very clearly avoidable.
Having suffered from a handful of concussions myself over the years, this collision between Michkov and Tanev is probably one of the worst ways to have your head shaken.
For now, however, we will await a further update on Tanev in the coming days. I would suspect that he'll miss some significant time with what might very well be a second concussion in as many weeks.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 2 | 842 ANSWERS Craig Berube Provides Update on Leafs' Chris Tanev Following Jarring Scene in Philly Do you think Chris Tanev suffered his second concussion in as many weeks last night? | ||
| Yes | 707 | 84 % |
| No | 135 | 16 % |
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