Former Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev has helped solidify the Toronto Maple Leafs' worst position with his play on the blueline
A former member of the Calgary Flames is making an impact with a contender this season. In recent years, the Toronto Maple Leafs have not been lacking in offense. Superstar center Auston Mathews is a threat to win the Rocket Richard trophy every season. With fellow star players like William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares in their forward units, they have plenty of players who can score.
Season after season, fans, media, and even the team have pointed to the blueline as an area of weakness. In the playoffs, it's a good defense that wins championships. This is the reason come trade deadline time, many contending GMs look to bolster their blueline.
Last season, the Dallas Stars tried just that. Adding Chris Tanev in a three-team trade with the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils, the Stars were hopeful his strong defensive play would lead them on a deep run.
In the deal the Flames acquired a 2024 second round pick, a conditional third round pick, and defender Artem Grushnikov. The second rounder was used to select Jacob Battaglia who has a whopping 52 points in 39 OHL games this year. The third rounder condition was not meant, which required the Stars to make it to the Cup final meaning they received no pick. Grushnikov joined the Flames AHL affiliate where he has 5 points in his last 50 games.
Although Dallas went on along run, deep enough to play the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference final, they fell short of a Championship and couldn't keep Tanev another year.
The Stars flipped Tanev to the Toronto Maple Leafs when they knew they couldn't resign him themselves. He inked a six-year, $27-million contract soon after the trade. Signed by GM Brad Treliving, his old Calgary Flames boss.
Along with free agent signing Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Tanev's addition to the blueline has been huge for Toronto. When the pair has skated together they've outscored opponents 10-2. Their defensive presence has helped the Leafs to fight for a top spot in the Atlantic.
Tanev is third in the NHL in blocked shots with 122 in 44 games. Despite putting his body in harm's way to stop his opponents from scoring no matter what, he rarely misses a shift.
This toughness was on full display when he took a puck to the face in a December 31st game against the New York Ilanders to end 2024. It wouldn't take till the New Year for Tanev to return as he emerged from the locker-room soon after and finished the game — a 3-1 win.
The veteran leadership, and strong defensive play Tanev brings is hard to track on a scoresheet. What he brings to the blueline however is exactly what the Leafs need with recent results when the regular season ends. Some believe only playoff results matter for this team, but in the grind of the Stanley Cup playoffs, Chris Tanev is the guy to have in any contender's locker room.
