Former NHLer Gary Roberts Praises Leafs Player for Elite Work Ethic
Former Toronto Maple Leafs forward Gary Roberts has singled out first year defenseman Chris Tanev, for his performance and work ethic through the season.
Maple Leafs fans hold former forward Gary Roberts in high regard, as he contributed several thrilling goals as part of Toronto's postseason runs before the 2004-05 lockout.
Roberts, who now helps train NHL players during the offseason, has singled out first year Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev for his dedication to fitness and body of work during the summer to prepare for the grueling 82-game schedule:
He is what a true professional hockey player should be. The way he carries himself - he's a true pro and a warrior. His fitness and commitment in the offseason is one of the greatest I've ever seen.
Chris Tanev's Hard Working Paying Huge Dividends
Tanev is playing in his first year with the Maple Leafs after splitting last year with the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars; he signed with the Leafs on a six-year, $27 million deal.
He's been as advertised, with his stellar shot-blocking ability and his propensity to disrupt opponents at every opportunity, then clear the puck of any danger.
Before the year began, Tanev revealed that he reached out to Roberts and received some valuable advice.
He had nothing but good things to say and he's extremely proud to be a Leaf. The teams he was on were quite successful. I mean, they didn't end up winning but they had some good runs and good playoff series. So, he definitely did give me some advice as I reached out to him.
Just be yourself and be good to the fans and enjoy yourself. I mean, you're definitely sort of in the spotlight more than maybe I would be in Dallas or Calgary.
I mean, Vancouver's a pretty big hockey market, so I'm sort of used to the Canadian market a bit. But yeah, just be yourself and enjoy yourself. And he said the best times of his career were playing in Toronto.
Just be yourself and be good to the fans and enjoy yourself. I mean, you're definitely sort of in the spotlight more than maybe I would be in Dallas or Calgary.
I mean, Vancouver's a pretty big hockey market, so I'm sort of used to the Canadian market a bit. But yeah, just be yourself and enjoy yourself. And he said the best times of his career were playing in Toronto.
In his first year so far with the Leafs, Tanev has 17 points (2G, 15A) while averaging 19:45 of ice time per game.
| POLL | ||
MARS 21 | 431 ANSWERS Former NHLer Gary Roberts Praises Leafs Player for Elite Work Ethic Is Gary Roberts worthy of having his sweater number retired by the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 232 | 53.8 % |
| No | 199 | 46.2 % |
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