Chris Tanev makes his feelings known about lost teeth, knee cap and puck injury involving $22,565,510 Leafs’ defenseman

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev was in a good mood after his team’s win against the Detroit Red Wings on Friday night. He even could joke about the far from painless victory his team achieved. While the Maple Leafs scored a convincing 5-2 win thanks to a Mitch Marner hat-trick, the Toronto defensemen had a rough time during the game.

Their defense put their bodies on the line, blocking shots and taking hits to the kneecap and groin during the game. $22 million ($22,565,510) worth defenseman Jake McCabe lost a few teeth thanks to a high stick to the face.

Speaking during the media availability session on Saturday ahead of the team’s game against the Washington Capitals, Tanev considered the hits business as usual.

“It’s part of 82 games," Tanev said. "You’ll have nights where guys need to make big blocks like Benny (Simon Benoit) did yesterday and like Caber (Jake McCabe) you’re gonna get high sticked and cut or lose teeth. It’s what hockey is, so I mean it’s fun when you’re winning.”

He also said that battling through a night like that can significantly boost the team and raise their spirits collectively.

“I think it's contagious for sure, when guys are doing it and we have a really tight group back there," Tanev added. "Very positive to each other and all willing to learn and work off each other. I think it's just part of building camaraderie and going on your journey,” he added, when asked about the mood on the bench during the game when the puck and sticks were flying.

Toronto had nearly twice the number of blocked shots (17) than Detroit. Simon Benoit had four blocks, with Morgan Rielly, McCabe and Willam Nylander among the blockers.

Toronto Maple Leafs now have 593 blocks on the season, the fourth-most in the NHL this year.

Chris Tanev is no stranger to losing teeth

Tanev lost six and a half front teeth after being hit in the face by a deflected puck in 2018 while playing with the Vancouver Canucks. Playing for the Dallas Stars last season, he had to have a tooth pulled after taking a hit from Nathan MacKinnon. After his emergency dental surgery, Tanev returned to the ice and played on for nearly 20 minutes.

To his credit, Tanev has 99 blocked shots this season, which is the most of any player in the league. He firmly believes in the old adage, 'The best players aren't afraid of getting hurt.'