The Toronto Maple Leafs opted to sit defenseman Chris Tanev against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday, the second night of back-to-back games, as part of a load management plan. However, Tanev isn't thrilled about the strategy.
"Yeah, it is what it is. I mean, don't agree with it, but I understand where (general manager John Chayka's) coming from," Tanev said Tuesday, per The Hockey News' David Alter. "Haven't really been healthy for the last year. I think he wants me to be able to play in January and February and March. So, yeah, I guess being available during that stretch will benefit the team, and I do think John wants what's best for me too."
Tanev provided a blunt response when asked why he disagrees with the plan.
"I want to play," he said. "That's why."
The 36-year-old missed nine games in October due to an upper-body injury and hasn't been overly effective when healthy. The Maple Leafs own a 37.8% expected goals share with Tanev on the ice at five-on-five this season, per Hockey Stats. He was limited to 11 appearances last season due to a core muscle injury.
Tanev is signed through 2029-30 with a $4.5-million cap hit. He was among the NHL's best defensive defensemen in his first season with the Maple Leafs in 2024-25, when he posted a plus-31 rating and 189 blocked shots.
