Brad Treliving Has Rare Opportunity To Reunite Chris Tanev With His Brother After Trade Market Update
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has the chance to do something special, as a report surfaced that Brandon Tanev is on the market and could join his brother Chris.
It's not uncommon to see brothers playing in the NHL, as we've seen names such as Gretzky, Hull, Esposito, Sedin, Hughes, Sutter, and countless others all make their names in the NHL representing their families. However, it's not too often you get to see brothers playing together on the same team with only 47 pairs since 1917.
Some of the more famous ones include Wayne and Brett Gretzky on the Oilers, and Scott and Rob Niedermayer. Modern-day siblings who've played together include Taylor and Darren Raddysh, Luke and Brayden Schenn, Daniel and Henrik Sedin, and the Staal Brothers (Eric, Jordan, Jared, and Marc).
Another sibling duo that could etch their name in history is the Tanev Brothers: Chris and Brandon. Both men are plying their trades on separate ends of the continent although a new report could bring them together for the first time.
Brandon Tanev's name has been thrown around recently regarding Seattle trade rumors, and for the younger brother of Chris, a new start could be in order. They have too many forwards and not enough spots, and given that Tanev is a free agent at the end of the season; Toronto and Brad Treliving should pounce.
He's also really excited for his brother and seems like he would be keen to join him in Toronto.
Yes, he's not on a long-term deal; yet. Struggling this season, Tanev has been a solid bottom-six producer for his career. Scoring 75 goals in 486 points doesn't scream offensive star but he does have three seasons with double-digit goals including a career-high 16 in 2022-23.
What he does have though is an unbelievable engine, and his ability to chase down players and throw hits; generally just being a nuisance on the ice is a huge boost to any team.
Tanev is something Toronto needs on their third line. Pontus Holmberg isn't it, and Nick Robertson could be out of town by next week for all we know. He doesn't do much flashy but he doesn't make mistakes.
He's more than happy doing his part and is a very solid penalty killer. He doesn't fit the size MO of Craig Berube, but he meets the grit criteria for sure. Coming at a cap hit of $3.5M isn't an easy ask, although Toronto could ask for salary retention or throw in David Kampf to try and balance things out.
Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs have the opportunity to make history and have two brothers play on the same team for only the 48th time in NHL history. However, it won't only be a nice story but it will be a big factor in Toronto's quest for the Stanley Cup.
