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Toronto Maple Leafs secure rights to defenceman Chris Tanev from Dallas Stars
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    Toronto Maple Leafs secure rights to defenceman Chris Tanev from Dallas Stars

    A big move to bolster the Toronto Maple Leafs‘ blue line could be imminent.

    Toronto acquired the rights to Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars, allowing the Leafs to negotiate with the defenceman ahead of free agency, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on Saturday.

    In return, the Stars received a 2026 seventh-round pick and forward Max Ellis.

    By acquiring Tanev’s rights, the Leafs will not only be able to negotiate ahead of time, they’ll also be able to offer the defenceman a seven-year contract, instead of a shorter term, should they have waited to sign him on July 1 or later.

    Tanev, 34, was traded from the Calgary Flames to the Dallas Stars on Feb. 29. 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. Overall, the Toronto-native had two goals and 17 assists split between the Flames and Stars last season.

    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 before the 2020-21 season.

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    In a surprising move, the Toronto Maple Leafs have secured the rights to defenceman Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars. This acquisition comes as a strategic move by the Maple Leafs to bolster their defensive lineup and add depth to their roster.

    Tanev, who has spent the majority of his career with the Vancouver Canucks, brings a wealth of experience and skill to the Maple Leafs. Known for his strong defensive play and shot-blocking abilities, Tanev is expected to make an immediate impact on the team’s blue line.

    The addition of Tanev also addresses a pressing need for the Maple Leafs, who have struggled defensively in recent seasons. With Tanev in the lineup, the team is expected to see improvements in their overall defensive play and penalty killing.

    While the details of the trade have not been disclosed, it is clear that the Maple Leafs are making a bold move to strengthen their team and compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. Fans can expect to see Tanev in action soon, as he joins his new teammates in Toronto for training camp.

    Overall, the acquisition of Chris Tanev is a promising development for the Toronto Maple Leafs and their fans. With his skill and experience, Tanev is sure to make a positive impact on the team and help them achieve their goals in the upcoming season.