The Canucks are in need of another defenceman and need someone to play on the team's second pair. While Tanev would have been a solid addition, he saw his rights traded on Saturday, signaling that he's set to sign an extension with the team who acquired him - the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Maple Leafs gave up a seventh round pick and AHL forward Max Ellis to acquire Tanev's rights and in a 32 Thoughts article on Sports on Saturday night, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman predicted that the former Canuck would get a six-year contract worth $4 million per season from Toronto.
Giving someone that's Tanev's age a long-term contract like that could be a bit of a risk, if it is indeed a six-year deal. However, given his effort level on and off the ice to prepare for games, it may be a solid gamble for the Maple Leafs and he'll be able to eat up big minutes for at least the first half of the contract.
Tanev, 34, was a hot commodity coming into July 1st, so it's not surprising to see the Leafs jumped the gun to acquire his rights. In 2023-24, Tanev spent time with the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars where he put up 19 points (two goals, 17 assists), 24 penalty minutes and a plus-22. The Toronto native went on to add two assists in 19 Stanley Cup Playoff contests.
With Tanev off the board, Patrik Allvin and his management group will now have to turn their attention elsewhere to fill the hole left by Nikita Zadorov's departure. Allvin could be pretty busy tomorrow and it should be an exciting day for fans of the Vancouver Canucks.
