The Calgary Flames recently traded Nikita Zadorov to the Vancouver Canucks, a divisional rival. The trade shocked the hockey world that Zadorov fetched such a low return, especially with the trade happening in the division. That got Edmonton Oiler fans to think. Is it possible that Craig Conroy could trade Chris Tanev to their arch nemesis? It’s an interesting discussion to have. The Oilers are desperate for a right-hand defenceman to pair with Darnell Nurse. Is Tanev a good fit?
Tanev’s history (stats, analytics, and his best partners)
Tanev has been one of the best defensive defenders in the league. Since being signed by the Flames back in 2020, he’s consistently been one of the best shutdown guys in the league. His time with the Canucks further proves this:
Now, who did Tanev play his best hockey with? In the last four years with Calgary, Tanev’s main defensive partner has been with Noah Hanifin. Prior to this season, with playing 192 games together, the pair has shown to be one of the best in the NHL: 55.13 GF%, an incredible 62.16 xGF%, 64.95 HDCF%, and all of this with a low PDO. This year the stats are similar with the their xGF% dropping by a bit: 56 GF%, 55.77 xGF%, and a 59.22 CF%. When playing away from Tanev this season, Hanifin falls off, dropping under 50% in all categories. It’s interesting to note that Hanifin and Nurse are pretty similar players:
Tanev has also spent some time with Mackenzie Weegar in the past few years, however, like Tanev, Weegar is an amazing shutdown D who can also move the puck at an elite level. I don’t think that’s a fair comparison to Nurse. In 2021–22, Tanev spent most of his time with Oliver Kylington, their stats are as followed: 61.96 GF%, 56.86 xGF%, and 57.73 CF%. Kylington away from Tanev was once again sub or below 50 in all categories. These examples show that Chris Tanev can improve his partner’s game by a large margin.
From 2016–2019, playing with Alex Edler and in 2019–20 with Quinn Hughes: Tanev and his linemate were below 50% in all the categories previously mentioned. However, it’s important to recognize that those Canuck teams weren’t very good, and it’s entirely possible to believe that Tanev, someone with a poor injury history, was banged up while playing as well. I believe when healthy and on a good team, Tanev is an amazing second pair and low-end first pair guy.
What a trade would look like?
With the recent rumors about a potential trade for young Philip Broberg, he could be a piece if a Tanev trade were to occur. The Flames would get back a young defenceman, albeit a project, in hopes of jumpstarting a potential rebuild. Obviously, that’s not enough and a contract would have to be sent the other way to make the cap work. The trade would probably include 50% retention along with a first round pick since Tanev is probably going to be the most valuable D on the market come the deadline, and the fact Calgary is sending him up north. As well, at $2.25M, that’s a bargain for a player like Tanev. I’d also think the Oilers would want to lock up Tanev to an extension for a year or two so it justifies having to trade away a first round pick, and solves the RHD problem for a few years. In this case, he wouldn’t be a rental.
TRADE PROPOSAL:
Edmonton receives:
D Chris Tanev (50% retention: $2.25M x 1 with a possible extension)
Calgary receives:
D Cody Ceci ($3.25M x 2)
D Philip Broberg (RFA next season)
2024 first-round pick
The Oilers would have to send Ceci the other way to make the cap work. The first round pick has to be included in this trade and like I said with Broberg, the Flames get a young asset that would slot on their blue line right away. Is this a bit too much to give up for Tanev? Yes, it is. But right now, that shouldn’t matter. He’s the perfect fit for the Oilers and would greatly improve their odds to win a cup with Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. That’s the end goal.
Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire
Stats are from NaturalStatTrick and JFreshHockey
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