Flames Rumors: Insider Names New Tanev Asking Price & 5 Teams In The Bidding

Chris Tanev remains one of the top targets as we approach the trade deadline on March 8th. And the offers to the Calgary Flames are rolling in. According to insider Elliotte Friedman, however, speaking on his 32 Thoughts podcast Monday morning, the Flames are waiting for a higher-than-expected offer for the impending unrestricted free agent:

When it comes to Tanev, I think the Flames are waiting until a first round pick gets offered. I think that's what they're waiting for. And if a team steps up with a first rounder, I could see it happening. and I think there's a pretty big group there—it's Toronto... it's Dallas... I think Colorado is in there, Edmonton, Vancouver.

Up until now, we've been hearing that a second-rounder could get a Tanev deal done. But now a 'first' could be the winning bid. Friedman also postulated on five teams that are currently trying to secure the 34-year-old's services from Calgary:

Toronto Maple Leafs: As we've heard in recent days, the Leafs are offering an assortment of multiple picks, but none of them are first-rounders, and they don't even have a second-rounder available for three years, so "that's a challenge for Toronto," Friedman notes.

Dallas Stars: The Stars are also in the market for a blueline boost, in particular another top-four D-man. They also just lost Jani Hakanpää to injury.

Vancouver Canucks: After their big acquisition of Elias Lindholm from Calgary earlier this month and having limited assets and cap space, “It’s very hard for them to do," opines Friedman, "but I think they like the idea of it. and they would really prefer Edmonton not get him.”

Edmonton Oilers: Vancouver insider Rich Dhaliwal has suggested that the Oilers are indeed making a big push for Tanev, as they, in turn, would certainly like to keep him away from their division rivals in BC.

Colorado Avalanche: Another Cup contender looking for upgrades down the stretch, but very handcuffed on cap space.

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