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The Toronto Maple Leafs are approaching training camp with uncertainty surrounding veteran defenseman Chris Tanev, who underwent season-ending core-muscle surgery in March after appearing in only 11 games last season.
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Shortly after Tanev revealed that he still needs medical clearance, the Maple Leafs added insurance on defense.
The Boston Globe’s Kevin Paul Dupont reported on Saturday evening that Toronto has signed free-agent defenseman Nick Blankenburg to a professional tryout contract. Dupont specifically connected the move to Tanev’s uncertain availability.
“Nick Blankenburg, defenseman, 28, Toronto,” Dupont wrote. “Undersized, ex- of UMichigan (from the Johnny Beecher days), played for both Colorado and Nashville last season. Small, but mobile, an insurance play by new GM John Chayka, looking for options if Chris Tanev still needs time to recover from March surgery to fix a core injury.”
@GlobeKPD – Weekly hockey notes: Dennis Bonvie now is Bruins GM Don Sweeney’s right-hand man https://t.co/ltweBSy9uF via @BostonGlobe
— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) September 12, 2026
Tanev recently told the Toronto Star’s Dave Feschuk that his goal remains returning to action when training camp begins, but he acknowledged that doctors still need to approve his return.
“We still have to check some boxes with the doctors,” Tanev said. “But the plan is for me to be out there day one of camp.”
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The 36-year-old endured several health problems last season, including a concussion, spinal injury and subsequent groin and core-muscle injury. His final setback ultimately required surgery.
Blankenburg, meanwhile, should give Toronto another right-handed defensive option in case they need him. The 28-year-old is coming off an eight-goal, 16-assist season split between the Nashville Predators and Colorado Avalanche.
The PTO deal, however, doesn’t guarantee Blankenburg a roster spot or indicate that Tanev will miss time. That said, the timing for Toronto’s move provides the team with additional depth as Tanev awaits clearance, and adds another body to the roster during the training camp and preseason part of the schedule.
The Maple Leafs will open training camp Thursday, when Tanev plans to participate pending final medical clearance, and have their first preseason game scheduled for Saturday.
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This story was originally published September 13, 2026 at 4:30 AM.