Let's Grade the Chris Tanev trade
Last night the Flames announced the trading of Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars for defenceman prospect Artem Grushnikov, a 2024 second-round, and a conditional third-round pick in 2026.
Here at Flame for Thought, we are heading back to the grading block just like we did for the Lindholm trade.
We have acquired Chris Tanev and Cole Brady in a 3-team trade with the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils.
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) February 29, 2024
Welcome to #TexasHockey, Chris and Cole! pic.twitter.com/AqxvreLXHC
Calgary Flames: B-
Not to say it was a bad trade for the Calgary, but it felt a bit underwhelming as the Flames now open up a gap on the blueline and don't see any immediate help for the team in return.
Along with sending a second-round pick, and a potential conditional third (If the Stars advance to the Stanley Cup Final), the Flames are getting back a young defensive prospect in Artem Grushnikov, who may not be flashy in points but is a strong defender who plays his role.
Grushnikov was drafted 48th overall in the 2021 NHL Draft and has spent 44 games this season with the Texas Stars with one goal and four assists, his first full season in the AHL.
"He is best described as a young defensive defenseman, a good penalty killer who understands the importance of this role and plays to his identity. We are excited to acquire a player with Artem’s qualities and look forward to his contributions to the Flames success." https://t.co/Ye5VCda9qi
— Randy Sportak (@RandySportak) February 29, 2024
Getting anything in return for an aging defender is great, but I feel the Flames could have at least pushed for a first-round pick considering they retain 50% of Tanev's remaining contract ($2,250,000).
Dallas Stars: A
A Grade trade for Dallas as they only have to upfront pay a 2024 second-round and a 2026 4th-round pick.
In return, the Stars get a strong defender in Tanev and rights to unsigned goalie Cole Brady, who was drafted by the Devils 127th overall in 2019.
Tanev was a workhorse for the Flames playing the teams fourth highest time on ice at 19:50, along with currently being ranked second in the NHL in shots blocked at 171.
The Stars are currently in second in the Central divisions, just bolstered their blue line with this trade, and I don't think will mind if they have to pay an extra draft pick if they go on a run for a Stanley Cup.
New Jersey Devils: B
And just for some fun, let's rate the Devils as they jumped into the trade and retained another 50% of Tanev's Contract ($1,125,000).
Along with holding onto some cap, New Jersey sent out those signing rights to goaltender Cole Brady in exchange for a 2026 4th-round pick.
Little odd for the Devils to help out the Stars, but it's never a bad idea to pick up a cheap draft pick for the future so that they get a B on the report card.