The Toronto Maple Leafs will finish out the remainder of this season without a veteran blue-liner.

Tanev is expected to be a full participant in training camp in September, per the Maple Leafs.

The 36-year-old last played Dec. 28 against the Detroit Red Wings, where he logged 20:10 of playing time. Head coach Craig Berube told reporters shortly thereafter that the defenceman had suffered a groin injury.

Tanev was just three games into a return from a 23-game absence due to a concussion when he was sidelined. In 11 games this season, Tanev registered two assists while averaging 17:58 on ice.

The 16-year NHL vet previously spent time with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars before landing in his hometown of Toronto as a free agent ahead of the 2024-25 season.