TORONTO — Count Toronto Maple Leafs GM John Chayka among those not surprised to hear defenceman Chris Tanev's reaction to the team’s load management plan that will ration his use over the course of the season.
"I don’t agree with it," Tanev told reporters on Tuesday.
Chayka expected as much when asked about Tanev's response at the NHL's general manager meetings on Tuesday in downtown Toronto.
“I think it’s natural and actually a good sign that he wants to play every game,” Chayka said. “It’s Chris Tanev. He’s made a career out of being that player and takes a lot of pride in being available to play every night.
“From our side, we do have an obligation to the players and to the organization to do the right thing and consider a player’s long-term health. And to do the right thing for the organization for the short-term and long-term. We respect that Chris wants to play.”
Tanev, 36, missed all but 11 games last season after sustaining a serious concussion. This season, he suffered an injury on Oct. 10 against the Colorado Avalanche and then missed nine games. Coach Jim Hiller said that while he wished he could have Tanev in the lineup each night, “there’s a plan in place to protect the player and the team.”
Chayka said: “We’re taking in a lot of information and making decisions. It’s my decision and I think it’s the right one for the organization.”
It’s also not final. If Tanev’s health improves, the Maple Leafs are open to amending their plan.
“This is an ongoing discussion,” Chayka said. “As Chris builds up some resiliency and the doctors get comfortable with where he’s at, then we’ll change our minds as it makes sense to do so.”
In the here and now, Tanev's situation is just one of a handful that Chayka is monitoring as injuries mount for the Maple Leafs. Toronto (8-9-3) has lost three straight heading into hosting the Avalanche on Tuesday night, and there’s no let-up in sight on the schedule.
"Certainly, it’s been a tough stretch,” Chayka said. “It’s been a journey. A lot of new faces, a new coaching staff, a lot of moving parts. We had a really tough travel schedule to start. We knew early on it was going to be tough. I think the thing we’ve been focused on has been growth. Injuries have tested the group early on and it’s been a good test. We’re feeling a lot of confidence in our leadership group coming together as a team."
