NHL defenseman leaves ice on stretcher after collision

AI-assisted summary
• Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev was taken off the ice on a stretcher after a collision on Saturday.
• The incident occurred during his first game back after recovering from a concussion.
• Tanev was transported to a Philadelphia hospital for tests but was reported to be moving around.

He was playing his first game since recovering from a concussion. He was hit in the third period by the Philadelphia Flyers’ Matvei Michkov, who received a two-minute minor for interference.

Tanev was face down on the ice and medical personnel called for a stretcher. He gave a thumbs up as he was wheeled off the ice.

Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube told reporters that Tanev was undergoing tests at a Philadelphia hospital. He said the defenseman was moving around and it was uncertain if he would stay in Philadelphia or fly with the team.

Tanev had missed four games with his previous injury, which occurred during a collision against the New Jersey Devils on Oct. 21.

He told reporters on Friday that the injury was a concussion and that he has had concussions before.

‘When you’re stunned and sort of confused, it’s not ideal,’ he said. ‘I felt really quite normal soon after (the latest), which was nice. You go through the protocols and the steps and whatever’s necessary to get back to play.’

Tanev had an assist on Jake McCabe’s goal before he was injured. The Maple Leafs won 5-2.

Tanev was the second NHL defenseman to leave the game on Saturday after a scary incident.

The San Jose Sharks’ Timothy Liljegren was hit by a deflected puck while sitting on the bench and needed assistance getting to the dressing room.

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