Tanev trade gives Maple Leafs 1st shot at signing defenseman | NHL.com

Given the small price Toronto paid in the deal, it’s a low-risk, potentially high-reward move for the Maple Leafs.

“He’s just an elite defensive player. You know, we talk about offensive players seeing plays early. He does the same thing but on the defensive side of the puck,” Treliving said. “An absolute warrior. He’s a culture carrier for your room. Listen, I know the age he’s at. But I think even in the last year he showed he’s one of the top shutdown defensemen, one of the top defensive players, in the league. And he’s a right shot. He embodies everything you want in a teammate.

“It’s exciting. A hell of a player. Tremendous person. He’ll be a big part of our group if we can get it all put together.”

In the process, it fills Treliving’s blueprint of making the team more difficult to play against.

Tanev certainly fits that criteria.

He finished fourth in the NHL during the 2023-24 regular season with 207 blocked shots, then had the most during the Stanley Cup Playoffs with 73. It’s exactly the sacrifice-your-body-for-the-sake-of-the-team approach that brings a smile to incoming coach Craig Berube’s face.

“Heart-and-soul guy,” Berube said. “Team guy. Lays it on the line every night as you guys know. You watch him play.

“So hopefully we can get something done.”

Signed by the Vancouver Canucks as an undrafted free agent on May 31, 2010, Tanev has 190 points (33 goals, 157 assists) in 792 regular-season games for the Stars, Flames and Canucks and 13 points (one goal, 12 assists) in 60 playoff games.

Consider this, too: back in 1998-99, he was a member of the North York Canadiens novice AAA team that won the Greater Toronto Hockey League championship. That squad featured two other future NHLers: forward Steven Stamkos and defenseman P.K. Subban. You may have heard of them.

Now, should he come to terms with the Maple Leafs, the Toronto native would return home to the city of so many minor league hockey glories. Only this time, in the NHL.