Chris Tanev signs six-year deal with Maple Leafs

One of the toughest defencemen in the NHL is officially staying in Toronto.

Chris Tanev and the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a six-year contract worth $27 million. The deal will carry an AAV of $4.5 million and have a full-no movement clause throughout, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Toronto acquired the rights to Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars on Saturday, allowing the Leafs to negotiate with the right-shot defenceman ahead of free agency. In return, the Stars received a 2026 seventh-round pick and the contract rights for forward Max Ellis, who was not offered a qualifying offer by the team and will hit free agency on Monday.

Tanev, 34, joined the Stars on Feb. 29 after being traded from the Calgary Flames. He helped the Stars reach the Western Conference Final before they were eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers.

In 19 regular-season games with the Stars, he had one goal and four assists. He added two assists in 19 games during the Stars’ playoff run. 

Tanev has played 14 seasons in the NHL with the Flames, Stars and Vancouver Canucks. He is coming off a four-year, $18 million contract he signed with the Flames prior to the 2020-21 season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a significant move in their offseason roster shake-up by signing defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year deal. Tanev, who previously played for the Vancouver Canucks, brings a wealth of experience and defensive prowess to the Leafs’ blue line.

The 31-year-old defenseman is known for his shot-blocking ability and strong defensive play, making him a valuable asset to any team. Tanev has spent his entire career with the Canucks, where he developed into a reliable defenseman and a leader in the locker room.

The Maple Leafs have been looking to bolster their defense in recent years, and Tanev’s signing is a step in the right direction. His presence on the ice will provide stability and leadership to a young defensive core, and his shot-blocking skills will help protect goaltender Jack Campbell.

Tanev’s six-year deal with the Maple Leafs shows the team’s commitment to building a strong defensive unit. With Tanev in the lineup, the Leafs will have a reliable defenseman who can log big minutes and shut down opposing forwards.

Overall, Chris Tanev’s signing with the Maple Leafs is a positive move for the team and its fans. His experience, defensive skills, and leadership will make him a valuable addition to the roster as the Leafs look to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.