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Maple Leafs Linked to Chris Tanev's Brother in Deadline Trade: Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jan 21, 2025 5:30 AM ET

As the NHL trade deadline approaches, the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to explore options to strengthen their forward corps.

While the team’s primary focus has been on acquiring a depth center , The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta has suggested an intriguing backup plan in Seattle Kraken fourth-line winger Brandon Tanev.

Speaking on "Leafs Morning Take" with Nick Alberga on Monday, Pagnotta explained that if the price for a third-line center proves too high, Toronto might pivot to adding Tanev, a versatile winger known for his defensive prowess and penalty-killing abilities.

“If I’m comfortable with who I have up the middle from a 3C role perspective and the prices for a 2C are too high, Brandon Tanev’s a guy that I’d be jumping at,” Pagnotta said.

Tanev, the younger brother of Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev, has tallied eight goals and seven assists this season in 46 games played, is a physical player, and has already racked up 78 blocks and 99 hits this campaign.

"(Tanev) is the guy that provides that extra spark physically and can keep up with the pace of play for most of the game," Pagnotta said. "Especially come playoff time, when things tighten up, he can get you that key goal every now and again."

Though Tanev is set to become a free agent at the end of the season and the Leafs would prefer players signed to mid-to-long-term deals, his $3.5 million cap hit makes him a more affordable option than other available forwards.

Pagnotta noted that reuniting the Tanev brothers could make sense for Toronto’s long-term plans, considering the help he'd provide on the penalty-kill unit. It's also worth noting the chances of signing him to an extension should be higher for Toronto because of the familiar links.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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