As the 2024 NHL Entry Draft concluded with the 225th and final pick, the Toronto Maple Leafs made a significant move by acquiring the rights to defenseman Chris Tanev from the Dallas Stars. The Stars exchanged Tanev’s rights for forward Max Ellis and a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. Tanev, who is not under contract beyond this season, would become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if a new deal isn’t reached. A native of Toronto, Ontario, Tanev was a top target across the NHL following the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving explained that as it became evident Tanev might not re-sign with Dallas, the Leafs aimed to secure his rights before free agency began. Treliving expressed his eagerness to negotiate directly with Tanev and attempt to finalize a contract.
The 34-year-old defenseman, acquired by Dallas at the 2024 trade deadline from the Calgary Flames, played a key role in the Stars’ playoff run to the Western Conference Final. Tanev participated in all 19 playoff games, contributing two assists, 73 blocks, and 30 hits while averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per game. He also demonstrated his resilience by playing through a foot/ankle injury.
Throughout his career, Tanev has played 792 regular-season games for the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and Dallas Stars. Undrafted out of the Rochester Institute of Technology, he began his NHL career with the Canucks, spending his first 10 seasons there. He later joined the Flames in 2020 and played over three seasons with them before his trade to Dallas.
Max Ellis, 24, has yet to make his NHL debut, having spent the last two seasons with the Toronto Marlies in the AHL, where he recorded 34 points (14 goals, 20 assists) in 87 games. Ellis also played two seasons of college hockey at the University of Notre Dame.
