It sounds like a Chris Tanev trade will be happening for the Calgary Flames, rather than just a possibility.
On the Sportsnet broadcast this afternoon, Eric Francis took the last part of the hit to update the fanbase on Tanev’s status and potential contract discussions. Unfortunately, if you are on Team Tanev, you may not love his answer.
When Tanev is traded, not if
Many have been wondering if Tanev would be traded or if Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy would hold on to one of the organization’s biggest heart and soul members. There was a slimmer of hope that the team would somehow look to re-sign Tanev to an extension before the NHL Trade Deadline, but it looks like that is not the case.
Francis revealed that there have been no contract discussions between the Flames and Tanev and that the defenceman will be traded. That is quite the revelation for several reasons.
First off, it’s clear that the team has many suitors for Tanev and would prefer to capitalize on the situation. It’s very plausible that the team wants a first-round pick, and so far no team has stepped up to do that. Francis confirmed that the market is massive, and so it may just be a matter of time before a team offers exactly that to get their coveted defenceman.
The more important note is then just why exactly is Tanev still playing? If the team is set on trading him, then they are their own worst enemy right now. The team is actively putting Tanev in a situation where he could get injured, and therefore lose not only the return but also the ability to have him in the lineup to keep pushing for a playoff spot.
It truly makes no sense.
Promptness will pay off
You can hold out for more, but maybe Conroy is just waiting for his original ask. If there are enough suitors involved then the team is going to make a killing on the return, but also putting themselves at risk of getting nothing.
Based on this, I would expect that today is Tanev’s final game as a Flame whether he is traded or held out moving forward.
Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire
