Maple Leafs D Chris Tanev has season-ending core muscle surgery

Field Level Media|published: 03/04/2026, 12:42pm EST

Oct 2, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) battles for the puck with Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (8) during the second period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev underwent core muscle surgery on Wednesday and will miss the rest of the season, the team announced.

Per the Maple Leafs, Tanev is expected to return for training camp in September.

Tanev, 36, has been sidelined since sustaining a groin injury on Dec. 28. The Toronto native has just two assists with a plus-8 rating in 11 games this season.

He has totaled 210 points (36 goals, 174 assists) in 878 career games with the Vancouver Canucks (2010-20), Calgary Flames (2020-24), Dallas Stars (2024) and Maple Leafs (2024-25).

--Field Level Media