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Toronto Maple Leafs: 5 Free Agent Defensemen Targets

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 11: Alex Pietrangelo #27 of the St. Louis Blues looks on during the second period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on March 11, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 11: Alex Pietrangelo #27 of the St. Louis Blues looks on during the second period of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on March 11, 2020 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 29: Christopher Tanev #8 of the Vancouver Canucks skates after the puck against Kasperi Kapanen #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs . (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 29: Christopher Tanev #8 of the Vancouver Canucks skates after the puck against Kasperi Kapanen #24 of the Toronto Maple Leafs . (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

3. Chris Tanev

Chris Tanev is a name that’s been on Leafs fans’ minds for years. Although acquiring him would have been better years ago, those doors haven’t closed entirely yet.

The main thing that’s been holding Tanev’s effectiveness back in this league in recent years has been his struggles to stay healthy, only reaching 69 games played in a season twice in the last five seasons. However, he’s still a top-four defenseman, who’s right-handed and provides a whole lot of experience to a fairly inexperienced defensive core.

In Vancouver this season, he’s been playing top-four minutes, helping lead the Canucks to the playoffs.

However, their addition of Tyler Myers seems to indicate that they are ready to part ways with Tanev. It’s likely he won’t be demanding too high of a pay raise this summer, and if the Leafs can sign him to a short term contract, it would eliminate some of the risks associated with picking him up.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could use his services surely, and he could still possibly be a top-pairing defenseman alongside Morgan Rielly.

After all, they played together previously on the same pairing at the 2016 IIHF World Championships with Team Canada.

Despite that being four years ago, the combination of skill and experience may still be effective. Tanev should definitely be on the Leafs radar if other avenues don’t come to fruition.

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