He left the Stars bench late in the second period after he blocked a shot from Oilers forward Evander Kane. The shot hit the outside of Tanev's right skate and he immediately appeared to be in a lot of discomfort, staying on the bench momentarily before limping down the hallway to the locker room.
Speculation about his status immediately blew up, especially when the tough-as-nails blueliner did not return to the bench for the start of the 3rd period. Rumors crept up last night that he had left Rodgers Place in a walking boot and that was seemingly confirmed this morning when fans spotted him at the Edmonton Airport, away from his teammates.
Multiple fans spotted Tanev at the airport, getting pictures of him in a couple different locations, including what appeared to be the gate for his flight home.
Tanev has a reputation as one of the toughest players in the league, so losing him would take a serious injury. He has also been one of the team's best defenders, making him a crucial part of their run, exactly why Jim Nill targeted him at the trade deadline. Hopefully for the Stars, he will be healthy enough to return tomorrow night, but even then, he clearly will not be 100%.
