Brad Treliving trade target reportedly interested in joining Maple Leafs

Why Brandon Tanev makes Toronto better

It would be great if the Maple Leafs could sign Brandon Tanev. He would help Toronto overcome offensive inconsistencies on the third line and offer much-needed defensive prowess.

It would also reunite Brandon with his brother Chris, who has been the backbone of Toronto's improved defense.

Getting the chance to win in your hometown and with your brother has to give the Maple Leafs a big leg up in negotiations.

This season, Tanev has nine goals and eight assists in 58 games, adding 117 hits, 91 blocks and only 8 PIM in 14:02 TOI.

One of the NHL's better defensive forwards, Tanev, can bring the tenacity head coach Craig Berube loves. He wouldn't cost Toronto as much as Brayden Schenn, but he would still command a decent price (a couple of picks and a prospect like Nikita Grebenkin).

He only makes $3.5M and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, so his cap hit isn't the worst thing in the world. It's a bargain deal with a rising cap if he re-signs for reasonably cheap.

Given that the Maple Leafs don't have many premium assets, getting those top players ahead of teams like Vegas, Florida, Tampa and Winnipeg will be a bit harder, so shifting gears to a player like Tanev is a smart call.

Plus, he wants to win. With a weakened Eastern Conference compared to previous seasons, it's anyone's game, and Toronto needs to take advantage of every opportunity. Adding Tanev would be a great way to improve their lineup.

General manager Brad Treliving's time is running out, but he has one interested party in Tanev, who might be the first domino in the Leafs' trade plans.