Behind the scenes details of Toronto's failed trade for Chris Tanev

In case you missed it last night, the Dallas Stars acquired veteran defenseman Chris Tanev from the Calgary Flames in exchange for a 2nd round pick, a 3rd round pikc and prospect Artem Grushnikov.

There had been trade rumors circling Tanev and the Flames for weeks now, so no one was surprised when he was dealt but the price paid and the destination was a bit puzzling to some hockey fans. Insiders have led fans to believe that the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks were hot after Tanev and that the veteran Dman was likely to fetch a 1st round pick via trade. In the end though, Dallas swoops in and acquires Tanev at a very affordable price. So... what gives?

What happened here?

Well, ESPN NHL insider Kevin Weekes reported last night that the Leafs were in fact in on Tanev, as they were on former Flames defenseman Nikita Zadorov, but that Flames GM Craig Conroy had to be 'blown away' to consider trading either player to Toronto.

From Weekes:

Interesting... 

Does this mean that Conroy is trying to extract more from Leafs GM Brad Treliving because of their previous association? Or did he really just receive the best off from Dallas?

Read below for our earlier report on the Tanev trade, published yesterday evening.

Earlier tonight, the Calgary Flames traded defenseman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars. In return, the Flames got a 2nd round pick, prospect defenseman Artem Grushnikov and an additional 3rd-round conditional pick in exchange for the blue liner.

It was also noted that Calgary is retaining half of Tanev’s salary cap.

However, this just in for insider Frank Seravalli, the New Jersey Devils are getting involved in this transaction. The Devils are retaining money on Tanev to help process the deal:

“NJD reserve list guy Cole Brady is part of the deal. They’re getting back a 4th round pick.”

This is the full trade details, involving the three teams: 

To DALLAS: Chris Tanev (75% retained), Cole Brady
To CALGARY: 2024 2nd Rd Pick, Artem Grushnikov, Conditional 2026 3rd Rd Pick, (50% of Tanev $)
TO NEW JERSEY: DAL 2026 4th Rd Pick (25% of Tanev $)

Tanev is the third pending unrestricted free agent getting traded out of Calgary this season. Nikita Zadorov and Elias Lindholm were previously moved to the Vancouver Canucks in separate deals. Tanev is in the final year of a four-year, $18 million deal he signed with the Flames in 2020, with a $4.5 million cap hit.

Through 56 games for the Flames this season, Tanev has put up one goal and 13 assists for 14 points. He was one of the most coveted trade bait on the board ahead of the March 8 trade deadline. In 14 NHL seasons with the Flames and Vancouver Canucks, Tanev has 32 goals and 153 assists for 185 points through 773 career games.

When asked about the addition of Tanev to his roster, Stars GM Jim Nill said to David Pagnotta: 

“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to add a player of Chris’ caliber to our team. He is a proven defenseman with postseason experience that is comfortable in all situations on the ice. Chris is one of the best penalty killers in the NHL and will be a tremendous asset to our special teams play.”

Recommended articles:

• Chris Tanev has been traded!
• Steve Yzerman hints at Trade Deadline plans
• Offer on the table for Chris Tanev!
• Leafs acquire 2 star defensemen in MOCK 3-team trade!
• Maple Leafs’ trade offer turned down by Flames!