Toronto Maple Leafs Officially Sign Chris Tanev

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially got their man. Following through after their trade for Chris Tanev's negotiating rights over the weekend, they've now agreed on a six-year deal with the 34-year-old defenseman.

🖊️ We've signed defenceman Chris Tanev to a six-year contract
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 1, 2024

According to Elliotte Friedman, the six-year deal carries a $4.5 million AAV and a full no-move clause throughout. Approximately 80% of the contract is in bonuses.

Tanev will turn 35 next season, but obviously showed he's still at the top of his game as a lockdown defender, particularly with his performance down the stretch and in the playoffs with the Dallas Stars after being acquired from the Calgary Flames at the trade deadline.

Toronto GM Brad Treliving has, of course, long been a fan of Tanev, having signed him to his last deal in Calgary, and he had him as his No. 1 target this offseason all along.

Tanev blocked a career-high 207 shots this past season, and in the playoffs, added a ridiculous 73 blocks in 19 games (a 315 blocked shots pace over a full 82-game schedule).

He'll now bring that defensive grit to the Leafs blueline, likely lining up with Morgan Rielly on the top pair, allowing the longtime Leaf to do his roaming thing.