Chris Tanev is yet another defenseman who could be on the move
Unlike Noah Hanifin, Chris Tanev isn’t someone who will find himself playing for a team that needs a two-day defenseman. Instead, he will go to an organization looking for a blueliner whose instincts may still be among the best in the NHL.
While he spent the greater part of 14 seasons in the league, Tanev can still play top-four minutes. Therefore, worries about whether he can still withstand the overall physical nature of the game shouldn’t arise, especially come playoff time. However, this shouldn’t deter a team needing someone known for disrupting shooting lanes to call the Calgary Flames if they’re seeking to fill a spot on the third-pairing.
In 46 contests this season, Tanev has blocked 135 shots, and if he continues at this pace, he will easily eclipse the 200 mark and set a new career-high. The Flames have also benefited from Tanev’s overall presence in defensive zone starts, which have occurred 56.5 percent of the time when he’s on the ice at 5-on-5.
Their Corsi and Fenwick percentages in the same situation with Tanev out there are 49.2 and 50.7, respectively. No, this isn’t where it was last season, but given the team’s struggles in 2023-24, he’s played a sound role in transition, which could further attract trade partners.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)