Chris Tanev Stretchered Off In Return After Maple Leafs Activate Him From IR

The veteran had just cleared concussion protocol earlier Saturday following an Oct. 21 head injury.

Overview

Tanev was removed on a stretcher in the third period after a collision with Flyers winger Matvei Michkov, and he was fitted with a head immobilizer with no immediate details on the injury.
He was activated from injured reserve earlier in the day and returned after missing 11 days and four games due to a concussion sustained on Oct. 21 against the Devils in a collision with Dawson Mercer.
Toronto assigned defenseman Dakota Mermis to the AHL’s Marlies to create the roster spot for Tanev’s activation.
Leading into the game, Tanev practiced and was projected to pair with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, with Jake McCabe skating alongside Simon Benoit.
His return was intended to bolster a defense under strain and inconsistent goaltending, with the team entering Saturday near the bottom in 5-on-5 goals against and sub-.900 save percentages from Anthony Stolarz and Cayden Primeau, while Joseph Woll was reported to be nearing a return from personal leave.