Chris Tanev Released from Hospital After Scary Collision in Leafs’ Win
Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev gave fans quite a scare over the weekend, but thankfully, the news coming out of Philadelphia turned out to be positive. After being stretchered off the ice during Saturday night’s 5–2 win over the Flyers, Tanev was discharged from hospital and is now back home in Toronto to continue recovering.
The frightening moment happened midway through the third period when Tanev collided shoulder-to-shoulder with Philadelphia forward Matvei Michkov. The impact caused his head to snap back sharply, and he immediately went down to the ice. Medical staff rushed over, stabilizing his head and neck before carefully placing him on a stretcher. The arena went silent, and fans from both teams applauded as he was taken off, giving a thumbs-up on his way out.
It was an especially concerning scene because this was Tanev’s first game back after missing four straight due to a concussion. The Maple Leafs’ veteran defenceman had already contributed an assist earlier in the game, showing his usual composed presence on the blue line before the collision occurred. Michkov was given a two-minute penalty for interference on the play.
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After the game, Leafs head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Tanev had full movement in all extremities but was taken to a hospital in Philadelphia for precautionary testing. “He’s moving and I think he’ll be all right,” Berube told reporters. “He’s getting some tests done, so we’ll see. He might be coming home with us.”
By Sunday morning, the Leafs’ public relations team confirmed that Tanev had been evaluated overnight, discharged from hospital, and cleared to travel home to Toronto. He was later placed on the injured reserve list, with Dakota Mermis being called up from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies to fill the defensive gap for now.
The moment weighed heavily on teammates, especially given Tanev’s leadership and reliability. Auston Matthews spoke after the game, saying, “It’s always tough when something like that happens. He’s such an important part of our team, and when they bring out a stretcher, it never feels good. We’re all thinking about him and hoping for the best.”
At 35, Chris Tanev is one of the most respected defensive presences in the NHL—known not for flashy plays, but for his calm under pressure and commitment to blocking shots, often at personal cost. His absence will surely be felt, but fans and teammates alike are breathing easier knowing that he’s on the mend.
The Maple Leafs will next host the Pittsburgh Penguins, and while Tanev won’t be in the lineup, the hope around the team is that he’ll be back soon, stronger than ever.
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