Bittersweet updates on Leafs’ Chris Tanev and William Nylander

The worst has reportedly been avoided when it comes to Toronto Maple Leafs veteran defenseman Chris Tanev, who is considered day-to-day with the upper-body injury he suffered early in Tuesday’s win over the Boston Bruins.

However, head coach Craig Berube told the media on Wednesday that the blue liner to miss Friday’s game against the New York Rangers.

The injury seemed to occurred when Tanev was hit by Bruins centre John Beecher in the opening period. Tanev was drilled into the boards, was slow and gingerly made his way down the tunnel. Tanev played just 49 seconds and did not return to the contest. The Leafs went on to win 5-4 in overtime on a winner from Mitch Marner.

Tanev is not the only Maple Leaf fans have been worrying about seeing that coach Berube stated last night after the overtime win that he was dealing with discomfort.

Nylander did not skate with the team Wednesday, but Berube downplayed the concern, saying he was always going to get an off day from practice.

However, fans still witness Nylander in visible pain on the team’s bench in the third period last night as he was holding his hand.

I guess we will have to wait closer to Friday to see if Nylander will suit up against the Rangers or will miss the contest like teammate Tanev.

Nylander sits second in the NHL with 33 goals this season and has 58 points in 58 games.

Another injury update came, this time for veteran forward Max Pacioretty, who skated on Wednesday. He missed the last three games following the 4 Nations Face-Off break after tweaking something during the break.

More details will be provided on the Maple Leafs’ projected lineup against New York ahead of Friday’s contest.