Maple Leafs trade for potential Canucks UFA target Chris Tanev

Right before the Toronto Maple Leafs were set to make the final pick of the 2024 NHL entry draft, the NHL’s deputy commissioner, Bill Daly, stepped up to the podium for what most believed to be a speech thanking the city of Las Vegas for a successful draft. But we were wrong. After what already was a crazy trading frenzy on the draft floor, the deputy commissioner had one more trade to break.

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that the Maple Leafs have acquired Dallas Stars defenceman Chris Tanev. Forward prospect Max Ellis and a 2026 seventh-round pick heading back to Toronto.

The former Stars defenceman was set to hit the free agent market come July 1st. So, the Maple Leafs are technically only trading for the defencemen’s signing rights. However, this buys the Maple Leafs a few extra all-important negotiating days to ensure the two sides can meet on an extension.

The Stars acquired Tanev at this year’s trade deadline for a 2024 second-round pick and defensive prospect Artem Grushnikov. The defensive defencemen scored one goal and four assists in 19 games with the Stars last season, but Tanev is known for his shot-blocking ability. In 19 playoff games with Dallas, Tanev had 73 blocked shots.

Tanev, 34, was a prime target for the Vancouver Canucks had he hit the market on Monday. The undrafted free agent signed with Vancouver in 2010 and played 10 seasons and 514 games with the club. Tanev became a fan favourite for his defensive ability and grew a solid defensive pairing with current Canucks captain Quinn Hughes.

The Stars, Maple Leafs and Canucks were the three links most heavily linked to Tanev. But after acquiring his rights, it’s all but certain that Tanev will return to play for his hometown team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Vancouver’s focus must shift elsewhere to bring in help for their defence corps.