Maple Leafs officially acquire rights to Stars defenseman Chris Tanev

Brad Treliving had one final surprise up his sleeve for Maple Leafs fans in a draft that seemed to be full of them. Treliving and the Leafs traded Max Ellis and a 2026 seventh-round pick to Dallas for the rights to negotiate with Chris Tanev.

Tanev is slated to become a free agent on Monday, and has been a target of the Leafs since the season began. They lost out when he was traded by the Calgary Flames to the Dallas Stars, but he was reported to be their top free agent target come Monday.

The 34-year-old will instantly improve the Leafs' blueline on the right side should he sign with the Leafs. His agent, Wade Arnott confirmed to TSN's Pierre LeBrun that there was not an agreement or that they had spoken to the Leafs ahead of the trade but are expected to engage in contract talks shortly.

A veteran of 792 career games, the Toronto native is a gritty, defensive defenseman that is known for his shot blocking and intensity even if he isn't the biggest defenseman. If the Leafs are able to sign him before July 1st, that will be one of their biggest needs solved without having to out-bid a number of other teams for his services.

Source: Hockey Reference
Chris Tanev Player Profile