The Toronto Maple Leafs acquired the rights to defenseman Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars for a 2026 seventh-round pick and forward Max Ellis on Saturday.
Acquired by the Stars from the Calgary Flames at the most recent trade deadline, the 34-year-old rearguard will be an unrestricted free agent on March 1.is July. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, Tanev’s agent Wade Arnott revealed that there is no agreement in place, at least for now, regarding a potential contract extension. However, he expects to speak to the club’s management in the coming days.
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Moreover, the Maple Leafs were one of the clubs interested in Tanev at the trade deadline.
The advantage of acquiring his rights, as the renowned Darren Dreger explained, is the possibility of offering him an eight-year contract. As an unrestricted free agent, Tanev will not be able to receive a deal longer than seven years. But considering Tanev is 34, that would be a bold move on the Maple Leafs’ part.
Never drafted, Tanev played 792 games in the National League with the Vancouver Canucks, Flames and Stars, amassing 33 goals and 157 assists for 190 points.
