Chris Tanev Snubbed From Top 20 Defensemen List, Sparking Fan Backlash
Photo credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
A recent list of top defenseman left out Toronto Maple Leafs' Chris Tanev, and fans are not all too pleased by the snub.
The NHL Network's recent ranking of the best defensemen in the National Hockey League was revealed, and of no surprise the top ranked defenseman is the reigning Norris Trophy winner, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche.
At second and third were the two Norris finalists, Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski. But one name left off has Toronto Maple Leafs fans buzzing, and that's Chris Tanev.
Tanev was not included on the list of top defenseman in the top-20, leading to some fans calling his exclusion as him being "snubbed", that he belongs on the list for being one of the league's best defensive defensemen.
Fans Surprised By Omission Of Chris Tanev in Top Defensemen Ranking
Some Toronto Maple Leafs fans found the decision to keep Chris Tanev off the list of the top 20 defensemen a questionable one.
Now, just about every team thinks their team's defenseman is among the league's best, whether that's true or not is another story.
Adam Fox, with a surprise placement at 16th on the list, had some Rangers fans come to his defense as arguably the best defenseman in the NHL.
It's hard to separate the fandom from the logic, but Rangers fans are on the right path that Fox is much better than his ranking of 16th, even if not the best.
Chris Tanev's exclusion has drawn a mixed reaction, but highlights a major point that has come when discussing today's defenseman.
Chris Tanev's Omission Stands Out Among NHL Defensemen
One thing that has been a discussion topic for a long time is how defensemen are valued in the NHL.
The league often rewards offensive success in terms of their defensemen, either focusing on defenders who provide offense to their team, or can be productive at both ends.
Pure defensive defensemen often don't get their due. Some have called for an award to be made for the league's best defensive defenseman with the Norris being slanted towards point production.
The last three Norris winners had led the league in points. The last defenseman not to be in the top-5 in points and win the Norris is Drew Doughty in 2016. The last defenseman to win the award while scoring under 50 points in a full season was Rod Langway in 1983 and 1984.
Arguably, there is a two way street with playing defense. The best players are expected to drive offense and be the team's power play QB, often kickstarting breakouts and being a playmaker. It's why Bobby Orr is considered the best defenseman in NHL history rather than someone like Langway.
Perhaps an award for the best defensive defenseman would be beneficial for highlighting the players who best exemplify showcasing strong defensive responsibilities in their own end, as the best defensive center award exists in the Selke.
According to MoneyPuck, Tanev led the NHL in defensive zone starts% (DZS%), while being in the top-5 for shots blocked.
In terms of fan appreciation, Tanev was voted as the league's second best defensive defenseman in a public vote hosted by EliteProspects analytics guru, JFresh.
The analytics have been a big fan of Tanev, but the lack of offense has hurt his pedigree as being viewed of one of the league's best, at least in today's game that prioritizes defensemen being two-way players.
With Tanev the second best defensive defenseman according to fans, it's worth a note that the first place winner, Jacob Slavin, and the third place winner, Gustav Forsling, both featured on the top-20 list, making Tanev's exclusion that much more of a question if it was right to do so.
Does It Matters for the Maple Leafs' Defensive Outlook?
It doesn't matter much for the Toronto Maple Leafs that Chris Tanev isn't viewed as one of the league's best, as his game works even if it goes unappreciated and doesn't represent on the scoresheet, but is a sign of where the Leafs could improve.
Tanev isn't expected to be a point producer, but he needs one beside him. Morgan Rielly at times has been that guy, but he has dealt with bouts of inconsistency and needs to show he's still a #1 caliber defenseman.
The Leafs have been linked to some potential top defensemen, but more than anything, Toronto needs to trust Chris Tanev to play the game that suits him best, while finding the right offensive defenseman that gels with him.
It means little what some ranking things of Chris Tanev, because Leafs fans know what he brings to the table isn't going to result in much flash that has people talking, and it's just what Toronto needs.
TRENDING NOW
