Maple Leafs will keep managing Chris Tanev’s workload, Chayka says

The defenceman wants to play more, and general manager John Chayka says Toronto could revisit its plan as Tanev’s health improves.

Hockey.comUpdated 7:48 PM ETFirst published Nov 10, 2026

File photo: Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev skates against the Utah Mammoth at Scotiabank Arena. — Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

What's newJohn Chayka said Toronto will keep managing Chris Tanev’s workload and could revisit the plan as his health improves.

Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka is sticking with the club’s plan to limit Chris Tanev’s workload after the defenceman said Tuesday that he wanted to play more.

Chayka told Sportsnet at the NHL general managers’ meeting in Toronto that he expected Tanev to want to play every game. Chayka said the decision was his and that the club could revisit it as Tanev’s health improves and the medical staff grows more comfortable with his progress.

Tanev told reporters earlier Tuesday that he disagreed with the approach but understood why Chayka wanted to keep him available later in the season. Coach Jim Hiller said he would like to dress Tanev every night and is following the club’s plan.

Toronto rested Tanev against the New Jersey Devils on Sunday. He had missed time after leaving the Oct. 10 game against the Colorado Avalanche with an upper-body injury.