Fans Speculate After Social Media Clue Links Brandon Tanev to Maple Leafs in Free Agency
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
A social media post seemed to potentially indicate one of the Maple Leafs' offseason plans, and it involves signing Chris Tanev's brother Brandon.
If the Maple Leafs are trying to change the DNA of the team as GM Brad Treliving so eloquently put it during his end of the season press conference, they can definitely approach this year's free agency with an open mind.
As tempting it may be to make splash and sign someone like Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, or Nikolaj Ehlers to make up for losing Mitch Marner, they might want to shift gears and tighten up their lower lines.
If they wanted a good head start, they could sign Chris Tanev's brother Brandon, and while there were rumors of possibly acquiring him at the trade deadline, that fell through and he ended up back in Winnipeg.
Social Media Shows Brandon Tanev Might Have Some Interest In Joining Toronto
Which is what makes a social media post so intriguing, given that it shows not only Tanev, but Maple Leafs forwards William Nylander and Scott Laughton all yukking it up together on the golf course.
First we can see Laughton and Tanev joking around together:
It seems the two might be practicing their high-fives for next season, and we can see Nylander showing a cheeky grin as if he knows Tanev fits in perfectly with the group:
It would be apropos for Brad Treliving to target Tanev not only because of the dynamic he would have with his brother, but the fact that he offers the exact type of solution Toronto needs in their bottom-six.
Brandon Tanev Fits Like A Glove In Craig Berube's System
If you're looking for gritty, no-nonsense forward who will give you 110% every night, then Tanev is your man.
Built from the same mindset as his brother, Brandon is reckless with his body, and doesn't mind feeling a bit black and blue as long as it means the team gets the win.
This season, Tanev hit over triple digits in both hits (168) and blocked shots (105) while also contributing 22 points (10G, 12A) in 79 games split with Seattle and Winnipeg.
While not an overly impressive number, that would tie him with Nicholas Robertson for points this season, and ahead of names like Pontus Holmberg, and Calle Jarnkrok.
For his career, Tanev has 180 points in 552 games (84G, 96A) but has added 1,588 hits and 525 blocks in that span. He's the definition of a third-line checking forward: Gritty, physical, and an inkling of offense to help every now and then.
While he is a bit older at 33, he can still contribute a lot for cheap. He's coming off a six-year, $21M deal deal so it would be feasible to see Toronto potentially sign him for three-years, $12M.
It's an increase in AAV with a hit in years, and it provides both a financial incentive and would keep him around with his brother for a good chunk of time.
If Toronto wanted to really change the DNA of the team, perhaps one of their best chances is by bringing in a player with the same makeup as a key part of their roster this season.
Must be a family thing.
| POLL | ||
MAI 30 | 662 ANSWERS Fans Speculate After Social Media Clue Links Brandon Tanev to Maple Leafs in Free Agency Should the Maple Leafs try and sign Brandon Tanev? | ||
| Yes | 547 | 82.6 % |
| No | 115 | 17.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
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