Tanev's Impact on Leafs Defense

Chris Tanev, a vital shutdown defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs, struggled with injuries last season, playing in only eleven games. His absence significantly weakened the teams defense, leading to one of their worst performances in recent years. Despite his limited playing time, Tanev maintained strong defensive stats and a positive plus-eight rating. His impact was evident, as the Leafs won more games with him in the lineup. As he enters the 2026-2027 season at 36, his age and injury history raise questions about his future effectiveness. Smart workload management may be crucial to keeping this experienced defender effective for...