Top Leafs Defenseman's Chances of Joining Team Canada at Four Nations Tournament Are Rising
With Shea Theodore out, and Cale Makar dealing with an illness, Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev gets higher as Team Canada is looking to find replacements.
It was a major blow to Team Canada's defensive corps this Four Nations Face-Off as Shea Theodore ended up getting injured and is going to be out the remainder of the tournament -- the team calling upon Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley in their time of need.
However, with reports that Cale Makar is out with an illness (though presumed to be back in time for Saturday's game,) there's never such thing as too much backup.
Which leads us to wonder -- could Toronto's Chris Tanev be called upon next?
Chris Tanev Deserves A Spot In Case Of Injuries
Not to take anything away from Harley, and he deserves a spot no doubt. But if Makar for some reason can't go, or another injury befalls them: then Tanev needs to be given the chance to represent.
Not the flashiest name, what Tanev brings to the table is simple: Blocks, defense, intelligence. Never one to be caught out of position, and able to handle immense pressure from opponents -- Tanev would allow Canada's offense to flourish with his ability to control the puck.
Acquired by Toronto to add a shutdown blueline presence, Tanev has been as advertised this season.
In 54 games, the veteran Tanev has one goal and 13 assists while adding a plus-21 rating and 148 blocks -- ranking him second in the NHL.
For his career, the 35-year old has 34 goals, 170 assists but 1,800 blocked shots in 846 games with Vancouver, Calgary, Dallas, and Toronto.
No stranger to representing his country, Tanev won gold as a member of Team Canada when they won the previous World Cup of Hockey in 2016.
Canada has a lot of offensive help with the likes of Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey and Drew Doughty -- adding a player like Tanev can only be a benefit.
If things start to get hairy for the red and white -- don't be surprised if they look to a player in a blue and white jersey to give them the help they need.
