Chris Tanev Trade Ratings: Maple Leafs Acquire Rights to Pending Shutdown Defender from Stars

The Maple Leafs have been linked to defenceman Chris Tanev in the weeks leading up to the free agent signing. The soon-to-be free agent is considered one of the best defencemen on the market and fits a role that Toronto would like to fill.

It turns out the Leafs liked him so much that they didn’t want to wait until free agency opened on Monday.

The team announced it acquired the rights to Tanev in a trade with the Stars, sending a late draft pick and another pending free agent to Dallas. This allows the Leafs to negotiate with the Toronto native sooner in hopes of agreeing to a contract extension.

Tanev, 34, is coming off a strong season playing between the Flames and the Stars. He was acquired by Dallas before the trade deadline and bolstered the team’s defense on its way to the Western Conference finals. Tanev scored 19 points this season, but more importantly, he finished third in the NHL in blocked shots (207).

NHL DRAFT 2024: RESULTS | RATINGS

Chris Tanev trade details:

• Maple Leafs receive: Chris Tanev
• Stars received: 2026, seventh-round pick, F Max Ellis

Chris Tanev Trading Notes

Maple Leafs: B

It’s no secret that the Maple Leafs wanted to get tougher on defense. The club was tied to Tanev for a long time before deciding to trade his rights. He is the definition of a pure, tough-guy defenseman who excels in his own zone. In Toronto, a rotating cast of characters have filled that role, but this gives the Leafs one of the best players in the business when it comes to stopping attacks.

There is no denying that Tanev was a hot target on the market. Any team would love to have such a defender in their squad. Frankly, every championship team needs one of them. At 34, there are some concerns about his age, which is why the length of the contract is crucial.

Stars: A-

The Stars couldn’t afford to bring Tanev back after losing him for nothing early in free agency. They added a late draft pick and got something for free, which never hurts. GM Jim Nill made a good deal and took advantage of Toronto’s desperation to sign Tanev.

Chris Tanev contract

At the time of the trade, it does not appear that the Leafs and Tanve have reached a deal. The two days leading up to Monday will be used to discuss a new deal.

Chris Tanev’s agent Wade Arnott says there is no agreement with the Leafs at the moment. They haven’t spoken yet. Toronto just acquired his rights, so Arnott obviously expects to hear from the Leafs soon.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 29, 2024

Because Toronto acquired the rights to Tanev, they can sign him for a longer period of time, with the maximum term they can offer now being seven years, as opposed to a shorter term when he hits the market on Monday.