Chris Tanev, a defender for the Toronto Maple Leafs, was transported to a medical facility following an incident on the rink involving another player during Saturday night’s 5-2 victory against the Philadelphia Flyers, but coach Craig Berube reported that Tanev demonstrated movement in all limbs.
Tanev made contact with Matvei Michkov, a Philadelphia forward, when there were 11:37 left in the game. The collision appeared to be shoulder-to-shoulder, but Tanev’s head recoiled upon impact, and he remained prone on the ice surface.
Medical personnel attended to him, securing his head and neck, before transferring him onto a wheeled stretcher and removing him from the playing area. This marked Tanev’s return to play after a four-game absence due to a concussion. Michkov received a minor penalty for interference in connection with the event.
Following the game’s conclusion, Berube stated that Tanev was taken to a hospital in Philadelphia for assessment and displayed mobility in all extremities. He indicated the possibility of Tanev returning to Toronto with the team via airplane.
“He is moving, and my expectation is he will be fine,” Berube commented. “He is undergoing examinations, so we will observe the results. It is possible he will travel home with us.”
Tanev contributed an assist on a goal scored by Jake McCabe in the second period.
“It creates a difficult sensation, considering he is a fundamental member of the team,” said Auston Matthews, who contributed a goal to the win. “Whenever a stretcher is brought out, it elicits an unpleasant feeling. Everyone is thinking about him, hoping for him, and wishing him the best.”
