Chris Tanev Demoted

All summer fanboys were excited about what Chris Tanev might be able to do with a full season of work. I suggested that he was a shoe-in for the top-six as recently as September. Cam Charron took the over on 5 goals for Tanev during the preseason…

Well today, Chris Tanev was assigned to the Canucks AHL affiliate the Chicago Wolves. The move in part makes room for Ryan Kesler (who seems to be returning from injury) and also reflects the fact that Chris Tanev has looked less than his calm, composed, chain-smoking self through three games this season.

Granted three games isn’t much of a sample, but Tanev’s ice-time was down, and he wasn’t playing up to the level many expected of him this season.There’s a couple of other factors at play here as well – Chris Tanev and Aaron Volpatti are is the only current roster players who doesn’t need to pass through Waivers if he’s "thrown to the Wolves." (Oh yeah also Cody Hodgson… Doh!)

Finally, the Chicago Wolves have been pretty terrible out of the gate this season. Perhaps the Canucks want to get their new AHL affiliate into the win column – something a smart, responsible defender like Tanev can certainly help with. There’s no doubt that Tanev will be back with the big club later this season, and remains a big part of the teams future.