After months of rumours, the inevitable has finally happened, as Chris Tanev has finally been traded. Tanev played four great years for the Calgary Flames, providing solid defensive play and boosting the team’s defensive group as a whole. Tanev was traded to the Dallas Stars for defensive prospect Artem Grushnikov, a 2024 second-round pick, and a conditional third-round pick. Calgary will only receive the third-round pick if the Stars make the Stanley Cup finals this year. What do Flames fans think of this deal? We asked, you answered.
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Responses to the Tanev trade
We presented the below poll to our readers: What are your thoughts on the return from Chris Tanev trade? The options being: Incredible return, Just about right, A little underwhelming, and Horrible return.
Incredible Return
Practically nobody believes the Flames got an incredible return for this trade. If the Flames got a return of that level, it most likely would have included one of Logan Stankoven or Wyatt Johnston, maybe with a draft pick. Dallas would likely be facing a lot of criticism from fans if they sent a package like that to Calgary for a rental Chris Tanev.
Just about right
Artem Grushnikov is a defensive defenceman who was drafted in the second round of the 2021 NHL draft. So the Flames essentially got two second-round picks and a conditional third-round pick for Chris Tanev. Most responses believe that this is a fair return for Chris Tanev, especially since he isn’t re-signed. The Flames also got back a prospect who may end up playing a very similar game to Tanev if he does end up securing a spot in the NHL. The Flames have a good number of defensive prospects who are offensive and can move the puck, however, acquiring Grushnikov gives players like Jeremie Poirier, Etienne Morin, and Hunter Brzustewicz very good support.
A little underwhelming
There were many reports that the Flames were looking for a first-round pick to be a part of the package for Chris Tanev. After the trade, it was revealed that the Flames were offered first-round picks, however, it required the team to take on a bad contract for multiple years as well. Ultimately, the Flames valued the equivalent of two second-round picks and a conditional third more than a late first and a bad contract for a couple of years.
Many believe that Tanev was undervalued in the trade market this year, considering the Dallas return. I would have to agree, as I would think one of the best defensive defencemen in the league should fetch more in a return. But it is important to remember that Craig Conroy has no reason not to take the best deal that he is offered. Thinking that he should’ve got more does equate to thinking he could’ve got more.
Horrible return
Barely any readers believe the Flames got a horrible return for Tanev. Tanev is a 34-year-old defenseman, and although he provides elite defensive play, there are concerns about him being prone to injury, and he is reaching the later stages of his career. On a contending team, he would be a great second-pairing defenceman. Add in the fact that he may not even re-sign with the Stars, and it would be unfair to say that the Flames got fleeced in this deal.
The job is not done
The Flames still have Noah Hanifin and potentially Jacob Markstrom to trade before March 8. Conroy has shown that he isn’t scared to deal with the big names on the roster, and so far, he has been able to get at least decent value for his pending unrestricted free agents. Soon, we will know what the shape of the franchise will be.
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