Maple Leafs Beat Reporter Shares Significant Update on Tanev, Laughton

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been an unlucky group thus far this season, not only with the results on the ice, but the injuries and absences of some key players, in Joseph Woll, Chris Tanev and Scott Laughton, just to name a few.

Thankfully, the Leafs have received some good news on the Woll front, with the 27-year-old netminder having returned to Toronto and having already begun the return to play process.

Now, thanks to David Alter of The Hockey News, we have additional updates to offer, with Chris Tanev and Scott Laughton returning to the ice on Monday with the Leafs' return-to-play staff as well.

Laughton was originally injured during the pre-season after blocking a shot with his foot. While not initially viewed as a significant issue, the lack of Laughton's presence in the lineup did force the Leafs to make changes to what they viewed as their optimal lineup.

Meanwhile, Tanev was injured last week after taking Dawson Mercer's helmet to the head during their loss to the New Jersey Devils. A key figure, and the Leafs' most effective defender, his loss has certainly been felt as well.

Tanev's injury coincided with an injury to Morgan Rielly as well, but thankfully, Rielly was able to avoid the worst of it and missed just one game before returning.

With Tanev landing on injured reserve last week, he was forced out of two games, and appears likely to miss a third tomorrow night against Calgary, which would also put his status in question for Wednesday's game in Columbus.

Laughton, on the other hand, will likely have a longer road to recovery and return, as he has missed all of training camp and the entire season thus far.

We'll likely see Leafs head coach Craig Berube speak with the media and perhaps provide an update following practice.