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The Toronto Maple Leafs made headlines by acquiring defenseman Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars in a significant trade move, concluding their draft activities on a high note.
While the Leafs were relatively quiet on Friday night during the opening round of the NHL Entry Draft, they made a major move on Saturday, making a total of three trades. First, they traded down from the 23rd to the 31st pick with the Anaheim Ducks, receiving a second-round pick, which they then flipped to Florida for a seventh-round pick this year and a second-round pick next year.
Using the extra pick along with prospect Max Ellis, the Leafs successfully acquired Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Trade for Chris Tanev
Chris Tanev, a 34-year-old right-handed defenseman, was initially traded from Calgary to Dallas at this year’s trade deadline. Known for his exceptional two-way play, Tanev’s primary strength lies in goal prevention. Unlike many defensive defensemen, such as Ilya Lyubushkin or Joel Edmundson, Tanev has a noticeable positive impact on his team.
Tanev is regarded as a top-pairing defenseman and potentially the best partner the Leafs have ever had for Morgan Rielly. While TJ Brodie was once considered elite in a similar role, there are no guarantees Tanev will outperform Brodie, especially as he approaches 35.
The risk for the Leafs is relatively high, particularly with the constraints of the salary cap, but the potential rewards are substantial. If Tanev proves to be a legitimate top-pairing defenseman, even for just one year, the Leafs’ chances of winning the Stanley Cup next season increase significantly. Should he maintain his form well into his later years, he could become a valuable asset for the Leafs for years to come.
While it’s unlikely Tanev will age as gracefully as Zdeno Chara, who led his teams to multiple Stanley Cups, it’s not impossible. Tanev’s intelligence on the ice is a key factor in his success. As speed and offensive skills decline with age, players who rely on their defensive acumen and positioning tend to age more gracefully, making Tanev worth the risk.
Assuming Tanev signs with the Leafs, their blue line will see a notable improvement. Although they still need a number-one defenseman or at least someone with the potential to develop into one, the addition of Tanev alongside Rielly, McCabe, and Liljegren gives the Leafs a significantly above-average top-four defense group. And it’s clear the Leafs aren’t stopping here.
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