Chris Tanev signs up an agent; contract next?
10 years ago
Chris Tanev is on the verge of re-upping with the Canucks (photo: Loxy!!/Flickr cc)
Jim Jamieson of The Province reported Monday morning that wunderkind Canucks defenceman had passed on Cam Charron as a potential agent, choosing instead to go with a true professional, Ross Gurney.
Gurney is Duncan Keith’s agent, among others.
A few thoughts, after the jump.
“In the best interests of Christopher, we have decided to get an agent involved at this stage of the game,” said Mike Tanev on Monday morning from his Toronto home. “His expertise will hopefully bring this to a quick conclusion.”Two key dates are coming up. The Canucks must make Tanev a qualifying offer by July 2 to retain his rights – which, of course, they will do. And, if no deal is done by July 5 Tanev becomes an RFA and can field an offer sheet from another NHL club.
Tanev bringing in a pro after having started negotiations on his own last month is not a bad sign, in fact it’s a sign that everything but the I’s and lower-case J’s have been dotted.
This is going to be a big week for the Canucks; first, there’s the expected announcement on Tuesday of John Tortorella as Alain Vigneault’s replacement, then, hopefully, Tanev’s signing will follow.
Last month, Thomas Drance speculated on Tanev’s future – the emergence of Frank Corrado and his offensive upside, coupled with Jason Garrison moving to the right side, suggested that perhaps he might be expendable.
Drance found himself pondering the rest of the Canucks’ defence corps, especially the future of Alex Edler:
I’m not totally against the notion of trading Alex Edler this offseason (even though it would be a dick move to do so on the heels of him committing to the team long-term). But it’s worth mentioning that if you’re not getting a bonafide, young, NHL-ready third-line centre on an entry-level contract in exchange for the Swedish defenceman, it’s just not a deal worth making.Which allows us to circle back to Chris Tanev. On many teams in the National Hockey League Chris Tanev is a top-four defenceman, and it seems very possible that one or two of those teams might come knocking with a predatory offer sheet if the Canucks low-ball the slick restricted free-agent this summer.That unappealing prospect combined with Tanev’s carefully managed minutes this past season (which I might suggest make him a potentially over-valued asset on the trade market), suggest to me that the Canucks might be better off shopping Chris Tanev before he hits the restricted free-agent market in July.
Chris Tanev’s value is a complicated one. He’d likely attract free agent interest, meaning the Canucks might find themselves overpaying slightly to prevent him being on the market at all.
Then again, with this week expected to be a bit wild ahead of the draft, with compliance buyouts and the like looming, anything could happen.
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