Stars defenceman Chris Tanev spotted at airport, confirming serious injury

Tanev blocked a shot off his foot in the second period, and was seen hobbling down to the tunnel shortly after. He was unable to return to play the rest of the game. Today at the airport in Edmonton, Tanev was spotted walking around in a boot, confirming a serious injury to his foot.

For the Stars and Tanev, it's an extremely positive sign to see him walking without assistance other than the boot. Being the third round of the playoffs, even if Tanev sustained a break in a place or a serious sprain, he would still likely push through an injury to be in the lineup. After the game, Stars coach Pete DeBoer couldn't really nail down when Tanev will return, but joked saying it may be game 12 of the series.

Losing Chris Tanev for any amount of time against the Oilers will be devastating for the Dallas Stars. Acquiring him in a trade from the Calgary Flames at the deadline, Tanev has stabilized the Stars defence and turned it into one of the most formidable in the NHL. Without him in the lineup or anywhere near full strength, the Stars are a much weaker team.