Over the last few years, as the Vancouver Canucks posted disappointing results on the ice, speculation has surfaced about what they’ll do with certain key parts of their defense. Chris Tanev in particular has come up in rumors in each of the last two offseasons, and likely would have been a target for more speculation this summer. Vancouver GM Jim Benning is trying to put an end to that before it gets started however, telling Sportsnet 650 (via Rick Dhaliwal on Twitter) that the team is “not looking to move Chris Tanev.”
Tanev, 28, had another injury plagued season in 2017-18 and ended up in just 42 games for the Canucks. The undrafted free agent defenseman hasn’t been able to stay healthy in basically any professional season, peaking at 70 games played in 2014-15. Still, when he is on the ice he makes a considerable impact. One of the best players in the league at suppressing shot attempts, Tanev plays a simple defensive game that could fit in on most blue lines. His contract, which has two years left at a $4.45MM cap hit, is reasonable enough to bring all kinds of interest from the rest of the league, and the fact that he’s right-handed only helps. All of those things of course also appeal to the Canucks, who aren’t so sure that they’ll be bottom feeders for very long.
Though the Canucks finished near the bottom of the standings once again this season, a new leaf is turning in Vancouver with Bo Horvat and Brock Boeser leading the way. Top prospect Elias Pettersson signed his entry-level deal today, while Adam Gaudette made a much-anticipated debut late in the season. There is talent coming up for Vancouver, who might value Tanev more as an example of how to play in your own end for their young players. Not to mention the fact that even if they do struggle again this year, they could trade him at the deadline or draft in 2019 for nearly the same amount of value. Tanev does hold an eight team no-trade clause, but that would be a small impedance if the team truly were looking to deal him.
No, if you’re looking to upgrade your blue line with a defensively responsible asset you might have to look elsewhere. Tanev seems destined to stay on the Canucks for the time being, although nothing is certain in hockey. Should a team blow the doors off with an offer this summer, Benning might quickly change his tune from “not looking to move” to “couldn’t turn down.”
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
They need SOMEONE to play defense. Besides, he’s a good mentor for some of the younger guys and guys that were drafted late (or not at all).
He’ll be a free agent by the time the Canucks are ready to compete.
True