Maple Leafs Defenseman Chris Tanev Confirms What Many Suspected About His Injury

The Maple Leafs have had a tough time staying healthy this season, and while the injury issues may have begun with bottom six center Scott Laughton, they haven't been limited to the lower part of the lineup.

The Leafs have dealt with injuries to key players like Morgan Rielly, William Nylander and the aforementioned Chris Tanev, but while Rielly and Nylander's issues seemed to be a little more manageable, the Tanev injury stopped him in his tracks.

Tanev was injured during a game against the New Jersey Devils a couple of weeks ago, taking the worst of a collision with Dawson Mercer, with Mercer's helmet being driven right into his head, causing him to drop to the ice in immediate distress.

There was a lot of speculation over what the extent of his injury was, with the prevailing thought being that it was a concussion -- though the Leafs simply referred to it as an upper-body ailment.

Tanev confirmed the diagnosis on Friday, revealing what he went through during his time on the sidelines and the impact that the hit had on him initially.

"When you're sort of stunned and a little bit confused, it's not ideal. But felt quite normal really soon after, which was nice," said Tanev of the initial effects.

Tanev has dealt with concussions in the past, and while many believe that the symptoms are similar, Tanev was quick to point out that all head injuries are different and the symptoms manifest differently.

"I don't think any one mimics another one. Sometimes your symptoms may last a while; sometimes they don't. Sometimes they're headaches; sometimes they're just head pressure. Could be your mood. I mean, there's so many different things a person can feel, and I don't think any one is the same."

The good news is that Tanev is back to full health, having fully cleared concussion protocol. He was a full participant in practice on Friday and projects to be in the lineup against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The return of Tanev could not come soon enough, as his absence was a noticeable one in the Leafs' recent stretch of games.

We should see Tanev activated from injured reserve at some point this morning or early afternoon, unless the Leafs have a last minute change of heart and decide to be extra cautious with the 35-year-old defenseman.