Tanev's shot-blocking ability has been an asset for the Maple Leafs this season.
Hockey Canada is set to announce its roster for the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament on Wednesday. While players like Mitch Marner are essentially guaranteed spots, there’s an ongoing debate about who else will make the cut.
Morgan Rielly seems like a strong candidate for a spot on defense, but what about Chris Tanev? The veteran defenseman has been a cornerstone in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ improved focus on defensive structure this season.
Maple Leafs captain John Tavares believes Tanev deserves serious consideration.
“Tanev, I think, should get more credit for, I think, all that he does. But even offensively, just his decision-making. And just when to get pucks to the net, when to put pucks in good spots, how to set up his set-up forwards or the player he's given the puck to in that next play,” Tavares said. “No doubt his stick, his defending, blocking shots, how strong he's, you know, without it in his own end is, you know, one of the best in the league. So no doubt he should be highly considered for Team Canada.”
Tanev, who signed a six-year, $27 million contract over the summer, remains focused on the Leafs and insists the possibility of representing Team Canada isn’t distracting him ahead of the roster announcement on Dec. 4.
“I mean, I think any kid growing up in Canada, that's what you dream of—to be able to put the Canadian flag on your chest and represent your country,” Tanev said. “That's something that I don't need to be worrying about. I'm just here to play hockey for the Leafs and build some relationships and bonds with my teammates.”
Tanev has led the NHL for most of the season in blocked shots. He's averaging 9.95 blocks per 60 minutes—more than any player with at least four games played. His contributions have helped Toronto become one of the league’s top defensive teams, especially during stretches where the offense has struggled.
“I think he's the best PKer in the league if you ask me,” said Maple Leafs defenseman Philippe Myers. “Whenever there's a one-timer or anything, there's never a doubt he's in the shot lane. He's blocking those shots.”
Even if Tanev isn’t included in the initial roster, he could be added as an injury replacement later. Leafs head coach Craig Berube revealed that Team Canada head coach Jon Cooper has been in discussions with him about certain players, including Tanev.
“Certainly could be a guy that could be looked at. You know, again, I'm not involved in that stuff, so I don't know,” Berube said. “When you're building a team like that, you do have to look at all kinds of areas and get the right fit with everybody that can do the job.”
The 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, which features Canada, USA, FInland and Sweden, will take place Feb. 12-20 in Boston and Montreal.