Toronto Maple Leafs Rumours and Speculation: Trade Targets
By James Tanner
Chris Tanev
I have personally written about Chris Tanev more times than I’d like to admit to. The reason for that is because no other player is a better fit for the Leafs right now than Tanev.
- 28 years old i.e in his prime.
- Shoots right handed.
- Has two years left on his contract after this one.
- Is one of the best defensive defenseman in the NHL
- Makes a very reasonable $4.5 against the Cap.
- Plays on a rebuilding team (meaning he’s likely available).
- Wouldn’t cost a ton to acquire.
People like to say that ‘top pairing defenseman aren’t available for trade’ but what they really mean is that if you want Drew Doughty (or a reasonable facsimile) you need to draft him. That’s true.
But there are maybe 10 Doughty-esque hockey players currently active in the NHL. There are 62 top pairing defenseman, however. (You know, each team has two and there are 31 teams).
If you want to acquire a defenseman who ranks anywhere from 20th best to 62nd best, you can do so. Tanev definitely qualifies. He’d pair with Morgan Rielly to form the best top pairing the Leafs have had in at least a decade. He is among the best shot-suppressors in the NHL and, wouldn’t you know it, that’s the Leafs main weakness.
Finally, the main reason to get him is this: His contract runs for the same length of time as Patrick Marleau’s, and if you don’t think the Leafs sold Marleau on a potential Stanley Cup during those three years, you’re nuts.
– James Tanner
Contract: $4.5 for two years after this.
Pros: Everything.
Cons: Injury prone. (Though all hockey players are. He has no chronic problem). Is currently out with a fracture in his leg, should be back in three weeks.
We (as in EIL) Would Pay: Connor Brown + a 1st.
Recommendation: Do it.