With Shea Theodore out, and Cale Makar dealing with an illness, Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev gets higher as Team Canada is looking to find replacements.
It was a major blow to Team Canada's defensive corps this Four Nations Face-Off as Shea Theodore ended up getting injured and is going to be out the remainder of the tournament -- the team calling upon Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley in their time of need.
-
However, with reports that Cale Makar is out with an illness (though presumed to be back in time for Saturday's game,) there's never such thing as too much backup.
-
-
Which leads us to wonder -- could Toronto's Chris Tanev be called upon next?
Chris Tanev Deserves A Spot In Case Of Injuries
Not to take anything away from Harley, and he deserves a spot no doubt. But if Makar for some reason can't go, or another injury befalls them: then Tanev needs to be given the chance to represent.
Not the flashiest name, what Tanev brings to the table is simple: Blocks, defense, intelligence. Never one to be caught out of position, and able to handle immense pressure from opponents -- Tanev would allow Canada's offense to flourish with his ability to control the puck.
Acquired by Toronto to add a shutdown blueline presence, Tanev has been as advertised this season.
In 54 games, the veteran Tanev has one goal and 13 assists while adding a plus-21 rating and 148 blocks -- ranking him second in the NHL.
For his career, the 35-year old has 34 goals, 170 assists but 1,800 blocked shots in 846 games with Vancouver, Calgary, Dallas, and Toronto.
No stranger to representing his country, Tanev won gold as a member of Team Canada when they won the previous World Cup of Hockey in 2016.
Canada has a lot of offensive help with the likes of Devon Toews, Josh Morrissey and Drew Doughty -- adding a player like Tanev can only be a benefit.
If things start to get hairy for the red and white -- don't be surprised if they look to a player in a blue and white jersey to give them the help they need.