The Toronto Maple Leafs' latest acquisition, Chris Tanev, has stirred excitement among fans and analysts alike, hinting at his preferred defensive partner in the upcoming seasons.
Recently transferred from the Dallas Stars, Tanev's addition to the Leafs' roster was finalized with a six-year contract worth $4.5 million annually, spotlighting the strategic moves made by the Leafs during the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.
In an enlightening conversation on NHL Network Radio with Scott Laughlin and Gord Stellick, Tanev expressed a distinct preference for pairing with Morgan Rielly. This preference isn't just based on current team dynamics but has roots in their past chemistry, specifically during the 2016 World Championship Tournament. "If it is [Morgan Rielly], that's definitely exciting for me because of the chemistry we had in [the 2016 World Championship] Tournament and we're pretty good friends and things like that, so I mean that stuff goes a long way," Tanev shared.
While the decision ultimately rests with the Leafs' coaching staff, Tanev's remarks underscore his enthusiasm and potential strategies for his tenure with the team. The Leafs boast a strong defensive lineup, and the possibility of Tanev forming a shutdown pair with Jake McCabe has also been floated, adding another layer of intrigue to the team's defensive strategy.
As the new season approaches, the exact pairings may still be under consideration, but Tanev's insights offer a glimpse into his aspirations and possible impact on the team's dynamics.
