Chris Tanev was arguably the most important offseason acquisition for the Toronto Maple Leafs and he’s now tasked with the additional challenge of steering his hometown team to their first Stanley Cup in several decades. Tanev is already well-accustomed to the Toronto market and won’t need much acclimation as training camp is on the horizon.
Tanev spoke to reporters Monday at the RattleSnake Point Golf Club in Milton, Ontario for the Leafs & Legends Charity Golf Classic presented by Scotiabank, where he reflected on his expectations fo the season, getting to know his teammates and the attendant pressures of playing for the Maple Leafs.
“You’re proud to be a Leaf. You want to be on a good team, being surrounded by really good players. There’s a lot of talent. Obviously, being from Toronto comes with expectations and that’s what we will be ready for and sort of work towards as camp starts in two days.”
Tanev played against Maple Leafs star John Tavares in the Greater Toronto Hockey League two decades ago and have maintained a longstanding friendship throughout their NHL careers, which has made the adjustment to his new club a lot easier.
“I’ve known John for a long time. He’s a year younger than me but he always played a year up in age against us and always was the best player an age up. When I got traded here, he reached out and we chatted. Obviously, talked and things went well. If I need anything or need advice, I can bounce it off home because he’s such a great person.”
Tanev also revealed that he’s been working out with Morgan Rielly for a weeks and that he knows him quite well. It’s almost certain that Tanev will begin the season with Rielly as part of Toronto’s top defence pairing. Tanev submitted one of the best seasons of his career and took on some of the most difficult assignments in the NHL for the Dallas Stars throughout the playoffs, which culminated in a trip to the Western Conference Finals, ultimately losing to the Edmonton Oilers.
The 34-year-old will also be joined by his former Dallas Stars teammate Jani Hakanpaa, who recently signed a one-year deal worth $1.47 million.
“Hak’s amazing,” Tanev said. “Huge, works really hard. Super nice guy. I think he’s a really good player. Obviously, we’re lucky to have him. The year with me, I mean, I only played with him for two weeks before he got hurt. Really good player, really good person.”
Homecomings can always have a ton of pressure and stigma attached to them, but Tanev is ready for the spotlight as training camp ramps up this week.
