Toronto Maple Leafs Acquire Chris Tanev in Trade
The Toronto Maple Leafs ended the NHL Entry Draft by trading for Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars.
Although the Maple Leafs were quiet during the first round of the draft on Friday night, they made a significant move on Saturday by completing three trades in total.
First, they traded down from the 23rd to the 31st pick with the Anaheim Ducks, receiving a second-round pick in return. They then traded that second-round pick to the Florida Panthers for a seventh-round pick this year and a second-round pick next year. Finally, the Leafs used that extra pick along with prospect Max Ellis to acquire defenseman Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars.
Chris Tanev Joins the Toronto Maple Leafs
Tanev, a 34-year-old right-handed defenseman, was traded from the Calgary Flames to the Dallas Stars at this year’s trade deadline. Known for his strong two-way play and exceptional goal prevention skills, Tanev stands out from typical defensive-defensemen like Ilya Lyubushkin or Joel Edmundson due to his positive impact on the team.
He is considered a top-pairing defenseman and could potentially be the best partner Morgan Rielly has ever had on the Leafs’ blue line. However, it’s important to note that at 35, it’s uncertain whether Tanev will be better than former elite Leafs defenseman TJ Brodie.
If the Leafs sign Tanev to a substantial contract, the financial risk is relatively high due to the salary cap. However, the potential rewards are also significant. If Tanev performs as a top-pairing defenseman, even for just one year, the Leafs’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup next season improve considerably. If he ages well, he could be a valuable asset for years to come, similar to how Zdeno Chara contributed to his teams’ success.
Tanev’s intelligence and goal prevention skills make him a worthwhile risk as he ages. If he signs with the Leafs, their blue line will see a significant upgrade. While the team still needs a true number-one defenseman or someone who could develop into one, a top-four lineup of Tanev, Rielly, McCabe, and Liljegren is well above average. It’s clear the Leafs aren’t finished making moves yet.
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