Interesting new development regarding Chris Tanev at Maple Leafs practice

The Toronto Maple Leafs have received more bad news than good this season, but a new development at practice on Monday might add another piece of good news to help balance the scale.

The Leafs enjoyed a day off on Sunday following an abysmal effort against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday night, which saw Connor McDavid and his crew have their way with the home team, en route to a 6-3 win to hand the Leafs their first regulation loss in two weeks.

Taking to the ice on Monday to pick up the pieces, the Leafs received some very good news, as Chris Tanev staked out onto the ice in a regular black jersey, shedding his red non-contact jersey.

Tanev had reportedly undergone more medical testing on Wednesday to determine the extent of his injury and when he might be able to return. The results of that evaluation must not have been in line with what he and the Leafs were hoping for, because Tanev sought a second opinion.

Tanev continued to skate in a red jersey while awaiting the results of his medical examination, but his return to practice in a non-limited capacity is a good sign that the results of the follow-up were positive.

In other related news, forward Matias Maccelli did not practice on Monday, as he has come down with an illness.

As far as Tanev goes, we should expect an update from Craig Berube following practice. The hope is that he'll get the green light to ramp up activities as he inches closer to a return.

Tanev has been sidelined since November 1st after taking a hard, blindside hit from Flyers star Matvei Michkov, resulting in the veteran defenseman being stretchered off of the ice.