Maple Leafs: Chris Tanev Trade Is a Huge Gamble That Toronto May Regret

(Photo : Steph Chambers/Getty Images) Brothers Chris Tanev (#8) of the Calgary Flames and Brandon Tanev (#13) of the Seattle Kraken play the puck during the second period at Climate Pledge Arena on November 20, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are interested in Chris Tanev of the Calgary Flames, although a potential deal comes with risks.

The 33-year-old suffered an upper-body injury in the second quarter when the Flames lost to the Colorado Avalanche on Monday, December 11. However, Tanev escaped severe injury and is listed as day-to-day per a team announcement on Tuesday, December 12.

Will the Maple Leafs' interest in Tanev remain?

Given his state, it remains to be seen if the Maple Leafs will continue to give chase. They are looking for someone to replace John Klingberg, who is done for this NHL season. However, the Flames are reportedly in no rush to deal out Tanev, The Athletic reported.

But if the Leafs persist, getting the defenseman to Toronto will come at a hefty price. NHL insider Pierre LeBrun stated that the Maple Leafs could tempt the Flames if they dangle their June first-rounder.

High as the cost may be, it is also a gamble on the part of Toronto. The injury of Tanev is something worth pondering, a risk that may or may not pay off.

Given their lack of players on the defensive end, the Maple Leafs need to move with Tanev at the top of the list of potential targets. The injury is a concern, but given their current situation, general manager Brad Treliving needs to move soon via SportsNet.

Tanev is set to become an unrestricted free agent in July. However, the Flames may re-sign the 6-foot-2 player, a plan that can only snuff the Maple Leafs' intentions.