NHL rumors: Stars’ Chris Tanev stock skyrocketing ahead of free agency

The Dallas Stars fell just short of the Stanley Cup Finals as they lost to the Edmonton Oilers in six games. Now, plenty of offseason questions swirl about the future of the Stars roster.

One big piece of the puzzle is the future of Chris Tanev, who was an important piece of the team this season. As it turns out, Tanev’s stock is going through the roof as free agency approaches, as NHL insider Elliott Friedman reported in the 32 Thoughts podcast.

“A (rival) team just said to me that nothing that Tanev did for the Dallas Stars in the playoffs convinced anyone that he was risky. Another team told me that he thinks the offers are going to be pouring in, and he wonders if Dallas is going to get pushed into a place it’s not going to be comfortable with.”

Tanev was a key piece to the puzzle for the Stars after coming over in a trade with the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils, although Friedman reports the deal was always viewed as a “rental.” The trade included a number of draft picks and players, although Tanev was the headlining piece of the blockbuster move.

Tanev was dealing with injuries in the playoffs but was able to play all six games in the series against the Oilers, although they fell just short of a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals.

Tanev played just 19 regular season games with the Stars and recorded four assists with five points. He had 36 blocks with the Stars and 73 in the postseason, so his value on the ice is unquestioned. As such, his stock is trending up ahead of free agency.

Where will Chris Tanev land in free agency?

A few landing spots for Chris Tanev include the Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs. A return to the Stars is possible as well, although it remains to be seen what type of contract Tanev would command in free agency. The Maple Leafs were reportedly interested in Tanev during the season– as were the Ottawa senators– so inquiring about him again wouldn’t be all that surprising.

He signed a four-year, $18 million deal with the Flames and earned $4.5 million this past season, so getting something along those lines might be the starting point for the soon-to-be 35-year-old. His veteran presence and strong defensive ability should be beneficial to a number of teams across the league.

NHL free agency begins on July 1, so there are a few weeks left before a series of moves and transactions take place around the league. Nonetheless, after an impressive regular season and postseason with the Stars, there seems to be a good chance that Chris Tanev will be busy once the free agency process begins.

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