See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source The revelation regarding Chris Tanev, from the Maple Leafs’ standpoint, couldn’t have been better on Wednesday. The club’s steadiest defenceman, one whose presence was a major factor in the Leafs’ ability to win the Atlantic Division in 2024-25, will be back at his usual spot when on-ice sessions in training camp start on Thursday.
“Cleared to play,” Leafs general manager John Chayka said. “He had a good summer.
He has had an amazing recovery. He pushes himself as hard as anybody in the gym and on the ice.” Tanev played in just 11 games last season, including his last appearance on Dec.
28 in Detroit against the Red Wings. In those 11 games, the Leafs were 6-3-2.
Without Tanev, who underwent core muscle surgery on March 4, the Leafs mostly were in a tailspin without their top defensive D-man and didn’t come close to a playoff spot. “I feel really confident that his injuries are in a good place, he is as healthy as anybody,” Chayka said.
“They missed him a lot last year. “He is an important piece for any team that is serious about trying to be successful and we’re lucky to have him.” Paramount for the team and the 36-year-old Tanev, of course, will be to keep his health.
For now, take his fresh start as a major positive. What did Chayka have to say about Matthew Knies?
Chayka also gave his two cents on the future of Matthew Knies, whose name continued to be a big part of trade speculation. With what Chayka had to say, let’s hope that the trade talk finally can be put to rest.
SIMMONS: Why coach Jim Hiller is the Maple Leafs' biggest question as training camp opens NHL introduces one new rule for 2026-27 season: Why only some players will feel impact The next time you start to wonder about Knies, try to remember that his contract — with an average annual value of $7.5 million US in the next five seasons — will amount to a steal for the Leafs considering the massive deals that are being signed now across the NHL.
“We have been consistent that he is an important part of our team,” Chayka said. “As we think about winning games when it matters, the ability to have players who are good on the walls, good on the net-front, can play a physical game, finish checks, but also have the talent and skill level to make plays and score goals, it’s pretty hard to find that.
“There are rumour mills that occur and we have no control over that, but in our relationship, we understand where things stand and that’s all that matters to me.” tkoshan@postmedia.com X: @koshtorontosun
