“He brings a warrior mentality. He blocks shots. He does all of the ugly jobs. He’s a true pro in how he prepares. He’s got great leadership ability. He’s a glue guy. I think he’s really going to fit into the culture of our team.”

That was Brad Treliving in October of 2020 talking about Chris Tanev, whom the Calgary Flames had just pried out of Vancouver with a four-year contract worth $18 million.

. . .

We know the Leafs tried and failed to trade for Tanev and then-teammate Nikita Zadorov in the fall before Zadorov, alone, was dealt to the Canucks.

So what about Tanev? The on-ice fit is obviously there. It’s a lot of the off-ice stuff that makes this thing more prickly than it seems.

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