GM Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs eye loophole to secure top defenseman

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Tom Banks
June 27, 2024 (10:25)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have had their eye on Chris Tanev for quite some time, and now his former GM may help finally bring him home.

Despite a positive regular season, the Toronto Maple Leafs fell in round one to the Boston Bruins, inspiring major change already with the hiring of Craig Berube. Now, it appears more changes are on the way, with a potential Mitch Marner blockbuster trade ready to go down at any moment.

The off-season is long however, and after showing interest in Chris Tanev over the past few years, the team may finally have a plan to bring him in and save some money at the same time.

»I think the Leafs are willing to get creative on a contract with Chris Tanev even despite his age and his injury history you might see him sign a longer term contract with wherever he lands and that could be a way to lower the AAV for him I don't think you can rule out a five or six year deal this time around and I think Toronto is one of the teams that is going to be knocking on his door.»

According to TSN's Chris Johnston, the Maple Leafs are prepared to keep the annual cap hit down on a potential Chris Tanev deal by offering him a longer term contract, a move that would be good for both parties. For Toronto, it would help keep his salary low on a yearly basis, and for the 34-year old veteran, it would allow him safety for the remainder of his NHL career.

Given that it was Brad Treliving that brought Tanev to Calgary, there's clearly a relationship there, and with the chance to chase a Stanley Cup, we could finally see the Ontario native head home this summer.

Source: Daily Hockey Dose
Toronto Maple Leafs willing to use loophole to land major defensive star