REPORT: Analyst ‘Firmly Confirms’ $18 Million Defenseman set to Sign With Maple Leafs in Free Agency
NHL analyst and former player Carlo Colaiacovo believes that pending free agent defenseman Chris Tanev will sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs during free agency. Tanev, who completed a four-year, $18 million deal this season, is considered one of the top defensemen available. Toronto has shown interest in him, and Colaiacovo expressed his conviction on his FirstUp radio show on TSN1050 in Toronto that Tanev will join the Maple Leafs on July 1.
Colaiacovo stated, “I firmly believe that Chris Tanev will be a Toronto Maple Leaf on July 1, I firmly believe that. I know that last year, with all the attempts the Maple Leafs made to try to acquire him, he’s a Toronto guy. All the talk was that he wanted to be in Toronto. Clearly, it couldn’t happen because Calgary wasn’t willing to trade with the Leafs, even though the Leafs were willing to give a first-round pick for him. But I truly believe Chris Tanev will be the Maple Leafs’ No. 1 target come free agency frenzy on defense.”
Tanev has been linked to the Maple Leafs and would significantly strengthen the right side of their defense. Known as a defensive defenseman, Tanev is renowned for his shot-blocking abilities, having recorded 207 blocked shots during the regular season last year between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. Additionally, he registered 73 blocked shots in 19 playoff games with the Stars.
Colaiacovo Speculates What Maple Leafs Would Offer Tanev
After Carlo Colaiacovo expressed his belief that the Maple Leafs will sign Chris Tanev on July 1, he was asked about the potential terms of the deal. Colaiacovo suggested that the contract’s length would significantly influence the salary. He estimated that a five-year deal could be worth around $5 million per season, while a shorter contract might see the salary increase to approximately $6 million per season.
"I firmly believe that Chris Tanev will be a Toronto Maple Leaf"
This morning on #FirstUp, @CarloColaiacovo explained why he believes that Chris Tanev will sign with #LeafsForever. Do you agree with Carlo? Let us know! 👇 pic.twitter.com/iDhhwMdlqr
— First Up (@FirstUp1050) June 27, 2024
“If you go five years, it’s probably going to be somewhere between $4 and $5 million a year. If it’s less, it’s going to be higher, somewhere between $5 and $6 (million). But he’s your top pairing, right-hand shot defenseman that you’ve been looking for,” Colaiacovo explained. “The guy that’s going to play the way Craig Berube wants you to play, the way Brad Treliving wants the team to play. I’m not crazy about giving him a five-year deal, but it’s unrestricted free agency. That’s what happens, you have to overpay.”
In the previous season, Tanev recorded 2 goals and 17 assists for a total of 19 points in 75 regular-season games.
Insider Says Tanev is Toronto’s Top Target
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has also indicated that Chris Tanev is the top target for the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency on July 1. Speaking on the Jeff Marek Show via Sportsnet on June 27, Friedman noted, “Knowing Treliving, I think Tanev is the guy he likes the most. He likes his game, he likes him personally and he knows him.”
Brad Treliving, who is currently the general manager of the Flames, signed Tanev to his last contract, so there is existing familiarity between them. This familiarity could play a significant role in Toronto’s pursuit of Tanev.
As Toronto prepares for free agency, they have just over $18.8 million in cap space available, which will factor into their negotiations and signings during the offseason.