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Toronto Maple Leafs: Trade Targeting Christopher Tanev

By Andrew Boehmer

Jan 17, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev (8) shoots on goal during the first period against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev (8) shoots on goal during the first period against the New York Islanders at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Could Chris Tanev be the solution for the Toronto Maple Leafs defensive woes?

Let’s go with this idea that the Toronto Maple Leafs need to acquire another top pairing defenseman.

I mean, it’s not abrasive to suggest that, right?

The answer is no because it’s entirely true.

I’ve discussed a few names already on the subject.

Kevin Shattenkirk, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Brandon Montour and Josh Manson to be more specific.

One name that’s been brought up, but not largely talked about is Tanev, so I’m going to run with it and see if the idea makes any sense.

Trade Options

I’ll be upfront here and say I’m not exactly sure what the Vancouver Canucks would like in return, so bare with me on this one.

However, I will be so coy as to say that Tanev will not be a Canuck for much longer.

Also, I would just be reiterating myself if I were to throw a trade suggestion out there, so similar to the Manson article, I’m going to leave that to all of you.

And let’s be honest here as you all know who I’m willing to sacrifice.

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I’ll leave a few names below and you tell me your ideal trade if Tanev was to be the target.

Also, feel free to juggle with picks, salary retention and or different players from the Leafs organization.

Basically, get as creative as you want with this.

Wilder is funnier, keep that in mind.

But, to some degree, I still want to read some actual trade ideas.

Okay, here they are.

  • James van Riemsdyk
  • Kasperi Kapanen
  • Nikita Soshnikov
  • Josh Leivo
  • Brendan Leipsic
  • Tobias Lindberg
  • Kerby Rychel

Again, check out the Expansion Draft tool on Cap Friendly to have a better idea of what’s around the corner.

Alright, give it a go.

Reasoning for Chris Tanev

Now, let me give my reasoning as to why Tanev could be a well-suited candidate for the job.

Tanev was drafted…

Oh, that’s right, he went undrafted.

He signed as an undrafted free agent to the Canucks on May 31, 2010, and since then, has scored 16 goals and 75 points in 348 games played.

Currently, he’s signed through the 2020-21 season at a reasonable cap hit of $4.45 million.

Tanev’s a right-handed shot who stands 6’2″ and weighs about 190 lb, not exactly small or large.

A solid defender who’s comfortable playing in his own end and I think he proved that in the 2016-17 season with the Canucks.

Yes, he has a modified no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1, but he can only name eight teams that he wouldn’t want to be traded to.

Being the Toronto native that he is, I’d think he’d have to do a whole lot of soul searching to list the Leafs as one of those eight teams.

Now, before everyone gets mad at me, I never said Tanev is the solution.

All I said is that he could be the solution.

If you think he’s a bad fit, let me know.

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