Maple Leafs reportedly set to announce a Chris Tanev deal

Tanev and the Leafs have been linked to one another for several seasons running. After splitting last year between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars, it would appear as though Tanev is finally coming home.

Alain Quevillon of Toronto City News has reported during Day 2 of the NHL Entry Draft on Saturday that Tanev and the Leafs have an understanding that they'll have a deal ready to announce at the start of free agency. Quevillon did also mention that the term and AAV are unknown at this time.

Tanev, 34, is a pure defensive defenseman, who isn't going to contribute much on offense. He will, however, be a strong addition to the team's struggling penalty kill and brings a ton of experience and intangibles to the table for the Leafs.

Tanev registered a career high 6 goals and 28 points with the Calgary Flames back in 2021-22. He notched just 2 goals and 24 points with the Flames and Stars in 2023-24.

Rumour has it that the Maple Leafs may be ready to offer more term than other teams, knowing full well that the final year or two of the deal may end up being paid out to Tanev via an LTIR retirement, AKA "Robidas Island".

We'll see where this goes.

Source for stats: HockeyDB
Chris Tanev stats and bio