Chris Tanev Opens Up on the Significance of Joining the Toronto Maple Leafs
Chris Tanev's signing this summer has been a huge boost to the Maple Leafs, but to the defenseman, it's more than just hockey. It's a dream come true.
When GM Brad Treliving acquired the rights to Chris Tanev, then subsequently signed him to a 6-year, $27M deal this summer, he was focused solely on making the Toronto Maple Leafs' defense rock solid.
Tanev has been as advertised, as his new pairing with Jake McCabe has created quite the shutdown pairing on the blueline.
But with Tanev's eagerness to sign with Toronto may have some financial or professional motivation, for the 34-year old; it's a childhood dream come true.
Speaking to Sports on Prime Canada, he explained the significance of playing for the blue and white:
The history in Toronto and the fan base is unbelievable. I'm just trying to live up to those expectations and perform on a nightly basis, and it's something I'm happy I signed up for, to be honest.»
It must feel surreal watching a team as a child, then working so hard to earn yourself the respect and admiration enough to be signed by said team and be able to wear the same jersey as your heroes.
Just ask John Tavares, who famously has a photo of him decked out in Toronto Maple Leafs gear as a kid, only to sign and captain the historic franchise decades later.
Family is clearly important to Tanev, and for the East York native, who already has a wife and one son with another child on the way; playing so close to his loved ones means more than the game ever could.
With family spread throughout the area, Chris Tanev is appreciative of the chance to play in front of them, and also have them waiting at home only a short distance away.
A lot of people wondered why Toronto would invest so much into Chris Tanev. His connection to the city and the closeness he has with his family shows that as much as this is a business, there is a human aspect to everything.
Bringing Tanev closer to the ones he loves supersedes the dollar amount because frankly: It's worth more than anyone could ever put on a check.
| POLL | ||
Do you think it's important to be close to family if you're an NHL player like Chris Tanev? | ||
| Yes, you need the support | 294 | 94.8 % |
| No, it can be a distraction | 16 | 5.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
