Report: Maple Leafs Targeting Pending Unrestricted Free Agents Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov to Reinforce Blueline
The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly setting their sights on pending unrestricted free agents Chris Tanev and Nikita Zadorov to bolster their defensive lineup. Given the characteristics the team is looking for – big, gritty, and physical – the pair fit the mold.
Ahead of the NHL Entry Draft Friday, TSN’s Darren Dreger discussed which defensemen general manager Brad Treliving and the Leafs were targeting as the calendar approaches July 1, naming Tanev and Zadorov as two leading candidates.
“If Toronto had a choice, it would be Tanev, and I think it would be Zadorov as well,” said Dreger. “Toronto has scoured that right-shot market. Again, in a best-case scenario, given some of the other options that appear to be headed in a different direction, it seems more likely it would be Tanev and Zadorov.”
Vancouver Canucks general manager Patrik Allvin said Friday the club will not be bringing back Zadorov, who the team acquired in November of 2023. Considering the organization made a couple of headlines Thursday with the re-signings of forward Dakota Joshua and defenseman Tyler Myers, the team has a projected $12.99 million in cap space according to PuckPedia.com. With other holes to fill, the club does not want to meet Zadorov’s value and will send him to the open market on July 1.
As Dreger points out, the dollar figure is estimated to be significant, but as the story has unfolded, we have come to understand the Leafs are holding off on addressing other areas of the lineup to allow themselves the flexibility to add to their blueline.
“It could be significant. There has been speculation that he wants as much as $6 million a year, I don’t think that’s accurate,” Dreger said. “As for the fit, it depends on if you get Tanev as well or if Tanev stays in Dallas or goes to another organization does Brad Treliving then pivot and just add the best available left-shot guy?”
It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that Treliving is high on the Tanev/Zadorov tandem, considering the ties each individual had to one another in Calgary. Treliving has signed contracts in previous years with both players and attempted to trade for the duo midway through the 2023-24 season. Despite the deal not making it across the finish line, free agency poses as an opportunity to circle back.
“Know this. Like most general managers, Brad Treliving loves the big trees in the back. Zadorov has a bit of bite and he certainly has the reach and the size that covers a lot of real estate.”
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman expressed Thursday the appeal to chase down Tanev if he reaches free agency, by adding, “They really like Tanev. And so, if they are really going to do something, for someone that they might not be willing to do for someone else, it’s possible for me that Tanev is the guy. We’ll see how it all plays out.”
Tanev is coming off the conclusion of a four-year, $18 million contract he signed with Treliving and the Calgary Flames in October 2020 and is projected by AFP Analytics to obtain a three-year, $13.44 million contract with an average annual value of $4.48 million a season on his next deal.
Zadorov, also known as “Big Z”, concluded a two-year, $7.5 million contract signed by Treliving in July of 2022. After erupting in the postseason, finding the back of the net four times and tacking on another four assists bringing his point total to eight through 13 games, Zadorov is set to earn a well-deserved pay bump. AFP Analytics is estimating a five-year, $26.58 million contract carrying an average annual value of $5.31 a season.
High on his radar for some time now, expect Treliving to be aggressive for this defense pairing on July 1.
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