The Calgary Flames have made a trade including defenceman Chris Tanev. Calgary has traded Tanev to the Dallas Stars for a pair of draft picks and prospect Artem Grushnikov. Also, the New Jersey Devils are retaining 25% of the contract and will receive the Stars 2026 fourth round draft pick. The Flames are in seller mode but are in Wild Card race contention. Tanev is having a decent season, and the right-hand shot defenceman is a desired commodity.
The Calgary Flames Trade Defenceman Chris Tanev
Chris Tanev is a 14-year NHL veteran with well over 700 games under his belt. He has been very reliable and consistent throughout his NHL career. In fact, he has scored exactly two goals in a campaign seven times. No joke. He’s going to be somewhere between 10 and 28 points, basically, depending on how many games he suits up in. He blocks shots well and is a decent skater from the backend. Furthermore, as we head into the stretch drive, he brings playoff experience with him. He has appeared in 41 playoff games in his career thus far.
What Does This Mean for the Flames
This is an interesting trade for the Flames. Tanev is a reliable defenceman and will help out a team on a playoff run. However, the Flames are not necessarily out of the running themselves. But at 34, moving Tanev suggests the Flames are moving towards the future. That makes sense since they had a team they thought would be perennial playoff contenders last year and this year. It has not gone that, and the fact they have been a playoff bubble team, has the team searching for direction. Therefore, moving a veteran, and allowing him a run for the cup, while building their organizational depth, works for both sides.
What Does This Mean for the Stars
Picking up Chris Tanev is an asset for your team. Right-hand shot, reliable defenceman, has been at a premium in the league. That is exactly what Tanev provides. He’s going to give you nearly 20 minutes a night. Furthermore, you know he can play in any defensive situation. This is a decent pickup and a strong decision by the general manager.
Main photo: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
