Chris Tanev Signs Six-Year Deal with Toronto Maple Leafs.
In a major move, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed veteran defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year, $27-million contract, just 90 minutes before the opening of NHL free agency.
“Consummate pro,” commented general manager Brad Treliving, highlighting Tanev’s ability to handle tough minutes against top players.
The Leafs also bolstered their defense by signing Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a four-year, $14-million deal and Jani Hakanpaa to a two-year, $3-million agreement.
Treliving expressed satisfaction with these additions, emphasizing the team’s focus on strengthening their defense over the summer.
Tanev, who had two goals and 19 points in 75 games during the 2023-24 season with the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars, is known for his defensive prowess and shot-blocking skills.
The 34-year-old Toronto native attributes his competitive spirit to his upbringing with two younger brothers.
Toronto acquired Tanev’s rights from Dallas in exchange for a minor-league forward and a 2026 seventh-round pick to facilitate early negotiations.
Tanev expressed excitement about joining a team with elite talent, including Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and William Nylander.
Tanev has played 792 regular-season games with the Vancouver Canucks, Flames, and Stars, amassing 33 goals and 190 points.
He has also contributed 13 points in 60 playoff games. “I’m a Toronto kid,” Tanev said, expressing his excitement to raise his family in his hometown and his anticipation of partnering with Morgan Rielly, with whom he has a strong rapport from the 2016 world championships.
Ekman-Larsson, fresh off a Stanley Cup win with the Florida Panthers, brings versatility and experience to the Leafs.
The 32-year-old defenseman scored nine goals and 32 points in 80 games last season and added six points in 22 playoff contests. Treliving praised Ekman-Larsson’s ability to play on both sides and contribute to both special teams.
Hakanpaa, another experienced defenseman, scored two goals and 12 points in 64 games with Dallas last season.
In addition to strengthening their defense, the Leafs addressed their goaltending by extending Joseph Woll’s contract for three years at $10.98 million, starting in 2025-26.
Despite dealing with injuries, Woll posted solid numbers last season and played a crucial role in Toronto’s playoff series against the Boston Bruins.
The Leafs also signed Anthony Stolarz to a two-year, $5-million contract and re-signed Matt Murray for one season at $875,000. Woll, drafted 62nd overall in 2016, has a career record of 21-13-1 with a .912 save percentage and a 2.76 GAA. In the playoffs, he has a .933 save percentage and a 1.78 GAA in seven appearances.
On Sunday, the Leafs re-signed winger Max Domi and defenseman Timothy Liljegren but lost forward Tyler Bertuzzi to the Chicago Blackhawks in free agency.
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