The first major domino has fallen in the lead up to the March 8th NHL trade deadline as Calgary has traded defenceman Chris Tanev to the Dallas Stars.
In exchange, Dallas will be sending the Flames Artem Grushnikov, a 2024 2nd round draft pick, and a conditional 2026 third rounder. Calgary will retain 50% of Tanev’s salary.
Also involved in the deal are the New Jersey Devils, who will cover a further 25% of Tanev’s remaining contract in exchange for Dallas’ 2026 4th rounder. Heading to the Stars from the Devils are the rights to unsigned goaltender Cole Brady as well.
Tanev had been rumoured to be on the move for most of the season out west, as Calgary appears poised to be big sellers over the next several days. The 34 year old blue liner has 14 points (1G, 13A) through 56 games this season, and will now a Stars team which sits tied with Winnipeg for top spot in the Central Division.
With over 700 games of NHL experience under his belt, Tanev was widely regarded as a “playoff built” defender. One willing to block shots, and excel at the little things often associated with championship calibre teams.
The Stars are next in action Thursday evening vs. the Winnipeg Jets, though it’s unclear whether Tanev will be in the lineup for the 8pm ET showdown.
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