Chris Tanev Breaks Silence as He Closes In on Historic Maple Leafs Record
First-year Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev is on the verge of shattering a team record, and he's sharing his thoughts.
One of the many moves that Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving went out and made last summer was the acquisition of veteran defenseman Chris Tanev.
He was signed to a multi-year contract after spending last year split between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks, and he's become one of the most important parts of Toronto's blue line.
Tanev Close To Shots Blocked Record; Only Cares About Winning
In fact, he's on the verge of setting a team record. He needs just one more shot block to become the franchise leader in a single season. With 176 shot blocks so far this year, he's tied with Carl Gunnarsson.
He's also fourth overall in total shot blocks this year behind Rasmus Andersson (184), Ian Cole (195), and Jacob Trouba (201).
Don't expect him to wax poetic about the accomplishment, however. When informed about the upcoming record, it didn't move his meter much.
I did not know that. It is what it is. I really don't care.
Head coach Craig Berube appreciates Tanev's willingness to put his body on the line to help keep the puck out of his club's net.
I think it's a big part of his game and he knows it, and he knows how valuable it is. When a person like that, and how he plays the game and understands how important blocking shots are whether it's on the penalty kill or five-on-five play, he takes pride in that and that's why he's able to do what he does.
You gotta be willing to want to do it, and he's willing to get in front of anything.
You gotta be willing to want to do it, and he's willing to get in front of anything.
Tanev has 27 points (2G, 25A) in 68 games so far this year and has been a huge reason as to why the Maple Leafs have turned into a much better defensive unit this season, and will most likely finish his career with the team.
It just goes to show that it doesn't matter how many blocks Chris Tanev has, he just does what he can for the team, and it could be a big reason for Toronto lifting the Cup.
**UPDATE**
Chris Tanev stands alone. The veteran defenseman set the Maple Leafs record for shots blocked in a season with 177.
It's an incredible accomplishment and it goes to show how important Tanev has been and his impact in his first year here.
Congratulations to Chris Tanev!
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AVRIL 5 | 508 ANSWERS Chris Tanev Breaks Silence as He Closes In on Historic Maple Leafs Record How have you liked Chris Tanev's 1st year with the Leafs? | ||
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