Tanev Stretchered After Head Collision vs Flyers

Toronto defenseman Chris Tanev, who had been cleared from concussion protocol and activated off injured reserve to play in Philadelphia, was stretchered off Saturday after a third-period head‑to‑head collision with Flyers forward Matvei Michkov. Tanev was briefly motionless, was immobilized with a head/neck brace, flashed a thumbs‑up as he was removed and was taken to hospital for evaluation. Officials assessed Michkov a two‑minute minor on the play (initially signaled as a major in some reports). Tanev had suffered prior helmet‑to‑helmet contact against New Jersey and described that earlier concussion as disorienting, so his removal raised concern about a possible second head injury in under two weeks. Toronto had already adjusted its roster to activate Tanev (with Philippe Myers or Dakota Mermis moved or projected as scratches/recall options) and will likely need further lineup changes if Tanev misses additional time.