Hiller Calls on Leafs Forwards to Support Depleted Defense After Tanev Injury
Toronto ruled Chris Tanev week-to-week because of an upper-body injury. Coach Jim Hiller said the forwards need to provide more support to the defense after turnovers and poor tracking left the blue line exposed on the recent road trip. Tanev was hurt against Colorado, placed on injured reserve retroactively to Oct. 10, and Marshall Rifai was recalled.
Toronto has labeled Chris Tanev week-to-week due to an upper-body issue. The 36-year-old defenseman was hurt in a win over Colorado, logging five shifts and 3:29 before exiting. He was moved to injured reserve with an Oct. 10 retroactive date, and Marshall Rifai was called up from the Marlies, debuting this season Tuesday versus Utah.
Tanev has one helper in six appearances and averages 16:51 per game. His injury history includes spine, groin, and concussion problems; he appeared in only 11 games last season and has never completed a full NHL campaign. Toronto sits 3-3-1 before hosting Buffalo, with Troy Stecher and Nick Blankenburg as right-side options.
The injury could affect the Maple Leafs' on-ice performance and fan expectations, especially as Toronto leans on forwards to cover defensive gaps. Teammates may face heavier minutes, while supporters and local businesses tied to game nights could see shifts in attention if the team struggles. It may also renew broader discussions about player workload and injury risk in professional hockey.