Chris Tanev explains his decision to join the Toronto Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Leafs
Brad Treliving bolstered his blueline significantly with the addition of Chris Tanev to a new contract yesterday.
The 34-year-old secured what is likely the last contract of his career by signing a six-year deal with the Leafs as free agency began. The contract carries an annual cap hit of $4.5 million.
🖊️ We've signed defenceman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract
Must read on Hockey Trade Rumours
Many Leafs fans have valid concerns about the contract's length, especially since Tanev will be signed until he turns 40. It's well-known that players often decline in performance as they enter their mid-30s and beyond. Undoubtedly, this poses a significant risk for Treliving and the Leafs.
The AAV here is just about what we expected. Concerned that the term is doubled. This probably won't age well, but the Leafs get a lockdown RD. #NHL #NHLFreeAgency #HockeyX #LeafsForever
That said, the defenseman has recently explained his decision to join Toronto. Despite being in a strong position with the Dallas Stars, who reached the conference finals for the second consecutive season, Tanev has yet to win a Stanley Cup.
However, certain personal priorities weighed more heavily for him. Tanev disclosed that being closer to his family, especially with his wife expecting their second child, was a significant factor in choosing Toronto.
Chris Tanev: "I'm from here. I grew up here. I grew up in East York so I'm a Toronto kid & definitely excited to raise my family here"
Second child on the way
"Being able to be close to home, being around grandparents is important"
Second child on the way
"Being able to be close to home, being around grandparents is important"
Tanev also noted that the Leafs are not exactly a bad team to play for in general right now. It is true that they have not had much success in the playoffs recently, but he seems to believe that they have a roster capable of going on a deep run.
"It's not like I'm leaving Dallas to go a team that hasn't been successful over the last number of years. There's a ton of elite talent and a new coach, a Cup champion. He's going to bring a different aspect, different game style maybe to how we want to play here."
Source: MapleLeafsDaily
Chris Tanev reveals why he ultimately opted to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs
| POLL | ||
5 JUILLET | 494 ANSWERS Chris Tanev explains his decision to join the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you think Chris Tanev will help the Toronto Maple Leafs advance past a playoff round next season? | ||
| Yes | 294 | 59.5 % |
| No | 200 | 40.5 % |
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