The Toronto Maple Leafs have inked a deal with former Dallas Stars defenseman Chris Tanev, making it the sixth-largest contract of the offseason. According to Nick Kypreos of the Toronto Star, the Leafs outbid other teams by offering Tanev a longer contract and $12 million more than the Stars’ proposal. Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving secured Tanev with a six-year, $27-million contract, a significant move after failing to acquire him at multiple trade deadlines.
Kypreos notes that while other teams were ready to pay Tanev a higher salary for a shorter duration, Treliving managed to close the deal by offering a longer term. The Stars’ offer was $15 million over three years, averaging $5 million annually, whereas the Leafs’ contract averages $4.5 million per year but totals $27 million, an amount Tanev couldn’t refuse.
Despite the hefty contract, some experts question its value. Scott Maxwell of Daily Faceoff included Tanev’s deal in the “Honorable Mentions” for the worst contracts of 2024. Maxwell acknowledges that while Tanev is a solid addition to address the Leafs’ defensive needs, the six-year term for a 34-year-old player is problematic. He argues that the deal is above market value and suggests that banking on the possibility of Tanev being placed on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) if he gets hurt is not a prudent strategy. Maxwell believes that signing an older player to such a long-term deal, hoping he doesn’t fulfill the entire contract, is not a savvy move, despite some Leafs fans’ optimism.
In summary, while Tanev’s signing addresses a critical need for the Leafs, the terms of the contract raise concerns about its long-term value and potential financial implications. The debate highlights the fine balance between immediate team needs and prudent financial planning in professional sports contracts.
