Finally, we can stop talking about Chris Tanev potentially going to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
At least until July 1st. Free agency should be fun.
In case you missed it, the Calgary Flames dealt the rugged defender to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday night for a three-piece package that included a second-round pick, a conditional third, and a prospect.
Full trade, per sources:
To #TexasHockey: Chris Tanev (75% retained), Cole Brady
To #Flames: 2024 2nd Rd Pick, Artem Grushnikov, Conditional 2026 3rd Rd Pick, (50% of Tanev $)
To #njdevils: DAL 2026 4th Rd Pick (25% of Tanev $)Condition: Only transfers if DAL goes to SC Final.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) February 29, 2024
So, in the end, the Flames didn’t get the first-round pick they coveted, but they did receive more than the initial asking price —which was a second-rounder.
As expected, the trade is being met with mixed reviews in Toronto. Indisputably, there’s a significant contingent of fans unhappy with the Leafs not paying up to get their guy. On the other side, there are many who are pleased with the fact that Brad Treliving didn’t give in to Calgary’s stern demands.
In the grand scheme of things, what really hurt the Leafs in this process was the fact that they didn’t have a second-round pick to play with. In recent weeks, the Flames had requested Toronto’s first for Tanev, something that never really interested Treliving —not even in the slightest.
Bottom line: The Leafs held their ground in negotiations and should be commended for doing so.
Was Chris Tanev exactly what they needed? Yes.
Should they have done it at all costs? Hell no.
Tanev’s a solid player. But, for a first-round pick? No, thanks.
Honestly, it’s been a breath of fresh air watching an experienced general manager go to work. Under the previous administration, the Leafs gained a quick reputation for being pushovers. Clearly, that won’t be the case anymore—regardless of how badly the team wants a player.
They liked Nikita Zadorov. They didn’t get him.
They really liked Chris Tanev. They didn’t get him.
Now’s when the real work starts for Treliving and company. With eight days to go until the trade deadline, they must swiftly shift their focus to other blueline options. With Arizona in town, undoubtedly, Matt Dumba’s name will surface once again. A few months back, NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman disclosed on Leafs Morning Take that the Leafs were in heavy pursuit of Dumba last summer before he ultimately chose the Coyotes. Obviously, they could revisit that scenario —among other things.
Patience is a virtue. Let Brad cook.
