NHL Rumors: 5 Free-Agent Destinations for Brandon Tanev
Brandon Tanev appears set to hit the free-agent market in July, as the Winnipeg Jets are going to be in tough to get a contract extension completed before free agency opens. Needless to say, there's going to be a ton of interest in the checking winger.
Tanev, 33, brings an element of sacrifice to his game that teams crave for their bottom six, as he understands his role to the fullest, and can bring an identity to the depth of a contending team's roster. Tanev finished last season with 22 points in 79 games, and landed 168 hits combined between the Jets and Seattle Kraken.
The 10-year vet will have a ton of phone calls to take this summer, and here's five teams who will be interested in the veteran winger:
Toronto Maple Leafs
An obvious choice, Tanev is from Toronto, and could reunite with his brother Chris on the Maple Leafs next season. There was some rumblings around the trade deadline that the Leafs were interested, so it would make a ton of sense for them to circle back this summer, as they look to change the DNA of their team. Adding Tanev for the bottom six would be music to Craig Berube's ears.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Tanev is a familiar face in Pittsburgh, and while the Penguins missed out on the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season, Kyle Dubas would like to reshape his bottom six heading into next year. Tanev would give the Penguins a checking winger to hammer out a role on their third line, and be a cost-effective addition who understands his role. Yes, the Penguins ideally want to get younger, but adding Tanev fills a gap and plugs a spot on their bottom six.
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche have all the firepower to win, but they don't have the necessary role players on their roster to outwork other teams. Tanev's work ethic is unmatched, he's a bulldog on the ice, and he'd give the Avs someone who is battle tested, and ready for the bright lights of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Anaheim Ducks
A wild-card team to watch this summer, the Ducks are looking to take a huge step forward this summer, which has already started with the addition of Chris Kreider. Tanev would give them a veteran winger for their third or fourth line, and someone who brings leadership, and work ethic to a reasonably young group in Anaheim.
Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers are up against the wall against the Florida Panthers, and changes will come to their roster this summer, especially among their bottom six. Look for the Oilers to move on from Jeff Skinner-type of players, and prioritize checking forwards who know their role, and can solidify the team's depth heading into next year.
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