Tanev Brothers Could Become Teammates, But Not With Kraken

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Above Photo: Brothers Chris (white sweater) and Brandon Tanev (dark sweater), during a March, 2024 game between Dallas and Seattle at Climate Pledge Arena. (Photographer: Dexter Guiang.)

The Ottawa Senators have long coveted defenseman Chris Tanev, and a report indicates they may try to use younger brother Brandon of the Seattle Kraken as inducement.

The key is whether the Dallas Stars, who acquired Chris Tanev from Calgary at the trade deadline, will allow him to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

If Dallas doesn't sign the elder Tanev to a new deal, Bruce Garrioch in the Ottawa Citizen says the Senators are ready to pounce. However, Chris Tanev has already once before vetoed a trade to the Canadian capital.

"The Senators tried to bring in Tanev last season to help provide veteran help," writes Garrioch, "but he wouldn’t waive his no-move clause to be dealt to Ottawa by the Calgary Flames."

The carrot Ottawa is dangling to get Chris Tanev's attention is the chance to play alongside his brother.

That's where the Kraken winger comes in. "A league executive confirmed a report that the Senators have held talks with the Seattle Kraken about Brandon, a 32-year-old veteran who could play a third- or fourth-line role with Ottawa."

According to the Dallas Morning News, Chris wants to remain with the Stars, and that's what the club wants, too. But what they desire and what the salary cap will allow are two different things. The News speculates it will take north of $4.5 million per season to retain his services.

Brandon Tanev, meanwhile, is entering the final year of his current contract, which carries a cap hit of $3.5 million. Much as he's beloved by Kraken fans, the chance to move that contract for a younger/cheaper/superior replacement might be an offer they can't refuse.

That's not to say the replacement would come directly from Ottawa. The roster opening could be filled via another trade using the saved cap space, or by plugging in a forward from Coachella Valley.

If Chris Tanev re-signs in Dallas, all bets are off. If he doesn't, watch this space.