The Maple Leafs have been linked to Tanev for quite some time, not they have a head start to try and ink an extension.
LAS VEGAS — Brad Treliving has been trying to land Chris Tanev for quite some time.
Now the Toronto Maple Leafs GM has a window to try and lock down a contract with the former Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars defenseman.
"As it got closer and it looked like potentially he's not going to be signing in Dallas, we wanted to jump the queue here as best we could and get to him before free agency started," Treliving said at the end of Day 2 of the 2024 NHL Draft at the MSG Sphere. "So that's what we're going to do. I know the player well. We'll get to work on it now. (I'm) excited to at least excited to have an opportunity to speak directly with him and see if we can put something together."
The Leafs acquired the rights to the 34-year-old veteran in exchange for their seventh-round draft pick in 2026 and the expiring contract of forward prospect Mac Ellis. Tanev was traded to St1ars from the Flames before the 2024 NHL trade deadline by the Calgary Flames. Treliving, who was GM of the Flames for a long time before departing the club and joining Toronto last spring, is well familiar with what the player can bring to a defense he's hoping to change.
"He's just an elite defensive player," Treliving said. "We talk about offensive players seeing things and seeing plays early. He does the same thing, but on the defensive side of the puck, an absolute warrior. He's a culture carrier for your room.
It's not clear what kind of term the Leafs will be looking for in terms of the 34-year-old Tanev.
"I think even in the last year he's shown he's one of the top shutdown defensemen, one of the top defensive players in the league. And he's a right shot. He embodies everything you want in a teammate. So for us to have him right now, it's exciting. Hell of a player, a tremendous person. He'll be a big part of our group. If we can get it all put together."
New head coach Craig Berube was also excited about the prospect of possibly coaching Tanev.
"Heart and soul guy, he gives you everything he's got, team guy, lays on the line every night," Berube said. "Hopefully we get something done."
According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, there is no deal as of now but Tanev's agent, Wade Arnott will now begin the work of talking contract.
The Leafs have until July 1 before 31 other clubs will have a chance to sign Tanev on the open market. He's coming off contract that carried a salary-cap hit of $4.5 million per season. In 75 games this season, Tanev averaged 19:41 per night while scoring twice and adding 17 assists.
Not eligible for an eight-year contract
Despite a report that Tanev could sign for eight years with the Maple Leafs, Treliving clarified that the player wasn't eligible for that kind of term since the player wasn't with Dallas before the most recent trade deadline.
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