TORONTO — The Maple Leafs will sit Chris Tanev against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday under their load-management plan, leaving the struggling club without one of its leading available defencemen for the second time in three games.

Sportsnet’s Luke Fox reported that Toronto is sticking with the approach despite an 0-4 homestand and the absence of fellow defenceman Morgan Rielly. The Leafs will turn to AHL callups Cole McWard and Dakota Mermis to help defend against a Minnesota attack featuring Kirill Kaprizov.

Tanev, 36, has suffered a series of injuries to his head and neck area over the past two seasons, according to Sportsnet. The organization is exercising caution, though the veteran has made clear he would prefer to be in the lineup.

“I want to play,” Tanev said after being scratched for Sunday’s loss to New Jersey, which followed a defeat against Montreal.

Thursday’s decision shows that the team’s plan is not limited to resting him during back-to-back games. Tanev participated in the optional morning skate, and head coach Jim Hiller said he will play Saturday against Edmonton.

Hiller declined to explain precisely when or why the decision to sit Tanev against Minnesota was made. Fox reported that the load-management direction comes from general manager John Chayka.

“I think he knows we have his best interests at heart,” Hiller said, describing Tanev as a good teammate who plays hard when called upon.

The decision also drew understanding from the opposing dressing room, even as Wild forward Nick Foligno acknowledged how difficult sitting out would be for a player accustomed to competing through discomfort.

Foligno said he could see both sides: an organization trying to protect a player dealing with injuries, and a veteran who wants to play regardless of how he feels.

Wild coach John Hynes said he has never rested a player for maintenance, while emphasizing that each situation is different. He described Tanev as a physical, stabilizing defenceman whose reach and shot-blocking make generating offence more difficult.

For Toronto, Hiller said the approach involves staff discussion and collective decision-making before the team moves forward.

Sources