Chris Tanev has ruled out returning to his former squad in free agency
Amidst a pivotal offseason, the Vancouver Canucks have reportedly stepped back from their pursuit of defenseman Chris Tanev, signaling a significant shift in their strategy.
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, speaking on Rick Dhaliwal's show, highlighted that the Canucks, led by GM Patrik Allvin, face a challenging summer with limited cap space and multiple unsigned defensemen.
According to Friedman, Vancouver's current roster includes only 15 signed players, with a cap space of $24,000,000, which complicates their ability to manage signings effectively. Defensemen such as Tyler Myers, Nikita Zadorov, Filip Hronek, and Arturs Silvos, all due for raises, further strain the team's financial flexibility. This budgetary constraint makes it tough for the Canucks to re-sign Tanev, who is anticipated to command a salary between $4.5 and $5,000,000 per season for a three-year deal.
Friedman also noted the high market demand for Tanev, especially valuable for his right-handed shot, despite approaching the age of 35. His expertise remains a sought-after asset across the NHL, positioning him well for a lucrative contract.
Tanev's recent stint with the Dallas Stars further exemplifies his impact, having propelled the team to the third round of the playoffs. However, the Stars face their own cap dilemmas, with just $16.2 million in space and several key players needing new contracts, making Tanev's return unlikely.
The defenseman's status as a hot commodity was evident during the trade deadline when the Stars secured his services amid widespread interest. With his contract�four years at $18 million, with a cap hit of $4.5 million per season�now expired, the stage is set for a competitive market come July 1st.
Speculation is ripe that teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, might pursue Tanev, given his proven track record and ongoing high-level performance. As the free agency period approaches, all eyes will be on Tanev's next move in what promises to be an eventful NHL offseason.
The unfolding scenario underscores the strategic decisions that teams must navigate in the cap-era NHL, balancing roster needs with financial constraints, all while aiming to enhance their competitive edge.
| POLL | ||
Should the Vancouver Canucks try to bring back Chris Tanev this offseason? | ||
| Yes | 31 | 47 % |
| No | 35 | 53 % |
| List of polls | ||
