Toronto Maple Leafs Strengthen Defense with Six-Year Contract for Chris Tanev

Monday, July 1st, 2024

Chris Tanev has joined the Toronto Maple Leafs after signing a six-year contract, which will pay him $4.5 million annually.

Tanev was previously with the Dallas Stars, but his rights were traded to the Leafs in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick and prospect Max Ellis.

Despite having three players with salaries exceeding $10 million per year, the Leafs' defense has struggled. A new eight-year contract extension for Nylander has increased that number to four high earners.

The Maple Leafs were searching for a right-handed shot defenseman to partner with Morgan Rielly, and they identified Tanev as the ideal candidate.

At the age of 34, Tanev brings a right-handed shot to the team's top defensive pairing, providing balance to Rielly's offensive capabilities.

Besides his defensive skills, Tanev has consistently contributed to the offense, recording over 10 points in each of the past 11 seasons.

Following their defeat to the Edmonton Oilers in the Western Conference final, the Dallas Stars faced uncertainty about Tanev's future with the team.

The Stars are now dealing with the challenge of having only two defensemen under contract as they head into the offseason.

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs have strengthened their lineup by adding seven defensemen, including Tanev, and still have about $7.58 million in cap space available according to CapFriendly.

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