The Maple Leafs have consistently been tied to defenseman Chris Tanev in the weeks leading up to free agency. The pending unrestricted free agent is regarded as one of the top blue-liners available on the market and fits a role that Toronto is looking to address.
Turns out, the Leafs liked him so much, they weren't willing to wait until free agency opened on Monday.
The team announced that it acquired the rights to Tanev in a trade with the Stars, sending a late draft pick and another pending free agent to Dallas. It allows the Leafs to negotiate with the Toronto native sooner, in the hopes of agreeing to an extension.
Tanev, 34, is coming off a strong season split between the Flames and the Stars. He was a pre-trade deadline acquisition by Dallas, shoring up its back end on a run to the Western Conference Final. Tanev had 19 points on the campaign, but most notably, finished tied for third in the NHL in blocked shots (207).
2024 NHL DRAFT: RESULTS | GRADES
Chris Tanev trade details:
- Maple Leafs receive: D Chris Tanev
- Stars receive: 2026 seventh-round pick, F Max Ellis
Chris Tanev trade grades
Maple Leafs: B
It's no secret the Maple Leafs were looking to get tougher on the blue line. The club was tied to Tanev for quite some time before electing to pull the trigger on his rights. He's the definition of a pure, shutdown defenseman who is excellent in his own zone. It's been a rotating cast of characters filling that role in Toronto, but this gives the Leafs one of the best in the business at shutting down offenses.
There's no denying that Tanev was a hot target on the market. Any team would love to have that kind of defenseman on their roster. Frankly, every championship team needs one of those. At 34, there is some concern about his age, which is why the length of the deal is crucial.
Stars: A-
The Stars weren't going to afford to bring back Tanev, losing him for nothing at the start of free agency. They add a late draft pick, picking up something for nothing in the process, which never hurts. It's a tidy bit of business by GM Jim Nill, taking advantage of Toronto's desperation to sign Tanev.
Chris Tanev contract
As of the time of the trade, it does not appear as though the Leafs and Tanve have a deal in place. The two days will take the time before Monday to discuss a new deal.
Chris Tanev’s agent Wade Arnott says there is no agreement at the moment with the Leafs. They haven’t spoken yet. Toronto just acquired his rights so obviously Arnott expects to hear soon from the Leafs.
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 29, 2024
Since Toronto acquired Tanev's rights, they have the ability to sign him for longer term. The maximum length they can offer now is seven years, as opposed to shorter term if he hits the market Monday.
