Calgary Flames defenseman Chris Tanev has been targeted by several contenders ahead of the March 8 trade deadline, and with time running out till then, Pierre LeBrun reports that the Dallas Stars appear to be the most interested in acquiring the right-shot blue liner.
Last week, LeBrun colleague Darren Dreger had mentioned how Dallas was taking a closer look at Tanev and during Tuesday’s edition of Insider Trading on TSN, he explained how the Stars made a pitch though it still lacks what Calgary is truly after:
“ I would go with the Dallas Stars , who as Dregs mentioned earlier this season have shown interest. Well, that interest has continued to grow from the Dallas Stars . They covet going out and getting a right-shot defenseman and he tops that list is our understanding and they made it clear with the Calgary Flames what they’re willing to pay in a trade for Chris Tanev . But what that package doesn’t include right now, my understanding, is it does not include a first-round pick. And really, that’s why Chris Tanev hasn’t moved, because of all the teams that have shown interest and we know that a dozen teams have reached out on Chris Tanev , no one has slapped a first-round pick yet on the table which is why I think the Flames are willing to be patient and see if the market plays out. But if he is traded as we expect, you know, Tanev wants to go to a winning team, a team [with] a chance to win a Cup this year. And of course Dallas fits that criteria. But again, Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto among the other contenders with interest.”
Interested teams have been informed more than once by Flames general manager Craig Conroy that a first-round pick is the price for Tanev, but none has yet to include theirs in an offer. Maybe one of the contenders could finally choose to part with it to get Tanev before the deadline buzzer goes off.
The Maple Leafs have been linked to Tanev many times in the past, but Toronto faces a tough challenge when it comes to that 2024 first-round pick since they don’t own a second-round pick in any of the next three drafts. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman recently reported that GM Brad Treliving made an offer to pry Tanev out of Calgary, but was unable to sway Flames general manager Craig Conroy to move his defenseman at a lower cost. Treliving had reportedly offered multiple lower-round draft picks to get his hands on Tanev.
But Conroy is surely keeping his foot down for now, which could mean that one of the top contenders fighting to acquire Tanev might have to give in and improve that offer, adding that all important first round pick to the table.
Recommended articles:
