Vancouver Canucks trade rumors: It’s time to trade Chris Tanev

The Vancouver Canucks must make a tough decision and decide whether or not to trade star defenseman Chris Tanev.

After a strong start to the 2017-18 season, the Vancouver Canucks are beginning to slip. Their record after beating the Washington Capitals on Oct. 26 was 6-3-1. Since then, the Canucks have fallen to 8-7-2, pushing them down to a tie with the Dallas Stars for the last wild-card spot in the Western Conference. A huge reason for this is the injury to defenseman Chris Tanev.

In many ways, he’s arguably their best defenseman. Tanev has never been one to make a huge impact on offense, but with five points in 15 games, his 0.33 points per game ratio is the highest of his career.  His impact, as always, has come defensively. Tanev leads all Canucks defensemen with at least 200 minutes played in shot attempts against per hour, shots against per hour, expected goals for percentage, and expected goals against per hour (all at even strength).

The role of the stay at home defenseman might be on the decline. But Tanev is mobile enough to remain excellent defensively, shutting down his opponents’ top players. Obviously, the Canucks are better with him. So getting him healthy is key. But there’s another reason why the Canucks need Tanev to get healthy.

Trade Value

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It’s understandable why the Vancouver Canucks value their top defenseman. They can throw him out against anyone and not have to worry about anything. That kind of defenseman is very rare. Tanev isn’t talked about when the great defensemen are discussed. His name should come up, but it doesn’t. Likely because Tanev doesn’t put up gaudy point totals like Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman.

However, he could be more valuable to the Canucks as a trade piece. Vancouver is undergoing a much-needed rebuild. Anyone who the front office isn’t confident will be a part of their next great team should be traded. This, of course, excludes the Sedin twins, who have earned the right to decide their path thanks to their no movement clauses.

Tanev has a $4.45 million cap hit and has two full seasons left on his contract after this one. Canucks general Jim Benning has to make a decision. Will his team be ready to contend for a postseason spot by the 2019-20 season? If the answer to this question is no (and it likely is), Benning should start listening to offers for Tanev.

Potential Trade Fits

Let’s take a look at some potential teams who would likely be interested in trading for the underrated Vancouver Canucks defenseman. Before we begin, it’s worth noting Tanev has a partial no-trade clause, which allows him to submit a list of eight teams he can’t be traded to. Anyone else is fair game.

The Toronto Maple Leafs might be the best fit for him. They’re ready to contend for a Stanley Cup. All the Leafs lack is a true top-pairing shutdown defenseman. Tanev would fill that role.

Obviously, there are some concerns if he would be the best fit for their uptempo game. But Tanev is probably mobile enough to be a fit. And honestly, the Leafs should happily accept the offense for defense tradeoff that would come with him. They can afford it, as well as his very reasonable cap hit.

Tanev would be a perfect fit for the Buffalo Sabres. This is purely speculation, but perhaps something with Sam Reinhart or Alexander Nylander going to the Canucks would make sense for both sides. The Sabres need more defense, while Vancouver needs offense. Both sides get what they want in this hypothetical trade.

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The Pittsburgh Penguins could be a dark horse. General Manager Jim Rutherford isn’t afraid to make nutty, bold moves. Getting Tanev would certainly qualify as one. But the Penguins are struggling defensively and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rutherford make a move or two. Tanev would likely be at the top of his wish list, or at least darn close to it. The New Jersey Devils are in a similar boat.