“He’s a warrior,” ask anyone, and Craig Berube’s comment about his blue line star, Chris Tanev, would seem like the general consensus. From Joseph Woll to Jake Oettinger, almost all of Tanev’s present and former colleagues would agree: guarding a net becomes much easier with Tanev guarding the fort in front of them. And now, despite the Toronto Maple Leafs’ postseason coming to a disappointing end, the 35-year-old remains on top of a rather intimidating list.
Emerging victorious from the Battle of Ontario, the Toronto Maple Leafs made many fans brace with hope of winning the coveted Stanley Cup for the first time since 1967. With that, chances of making it to the Conference Finals for the first time since 2002 also hovered overhead. And yet, the Panthers put up a clutch performance to rob the Leafs of all the optimism. But that doesn’t take anything away from the defensive rock that is Chris Tanev.
Looking at all the teeth missing from Tanev’s mouth, it wouldn’t take much imagination to know that the Toronto native had taken some serious hits throughout his career. And this postseason wasn’t any different. Sportsnet analyst Justin Bourne took to X on May 19 to highlight how Chris has been the last line of the Toronto Maple Leafs’ defense even in his 16th NHL season. The shocking list notes that Tanev sits atop the pecking order with 105 hits taken in the 2025 playoffs alone.
“Fair to wonder if any player will close the entirely of playoffs with more “hits taken” than Chris Tanev,” Bourne’s social media post doesn’t conceal his awe of the Maple Leafs’ star. But at the same time, the NHL analyst also couldn’t hide his astonishment at how the relentless attacks were never enough to deter Tanev from coming back for more.
Fair to wonder if any player will close the entirely of playoffs with more “hits taken” than Chris Tanev. A willingness to go back on retrievals and take the hit to make the play like I’ve never seen. But for the love of god, can he get some hold-ups? A pick here or there maybe?? pic.twitter.com/v0ARjIZfwh
— Justin Bourne (@jtbourne) May 19, 2025
“A willingness to go back on retrievals and take the hit to make the play like I’ve never seen,” the X post hails the Toronto defensive stalwart for his indomitable spirit. Apparently, a Canadian by birth, but a Gaul by heart, by Toutatis! What’s even more awe-inspiring is that, in the list, Tanev is miles ahead of his Maple Leafs teammate, Morgan Rielly, who has only taken 57 hits this postseason.
Naturally, like Bourne, many would wonder if any blue line star could even think to match Tanev’s stats, even if their respective teams end up reaching all the way to the Stanley Cup finals. The defenceman’s +31 plus/minus in the regular season was probably one of the biggest reasons that the Maple Leafs managed to secure their berth in the playoffs as the top seed of the Atlantic Division. Naturally, such a display of grit calls for his colleagues’ respect.
“He’s a stud defenceman to me. He plays hard,” said the Toronto Maple Leafs’ goalie, Joseph Woll, on how just having Chris as his teammate gives him all the confidence in the world to do his job. William Nylander also lauded Tanev, saying, “Just laying his body on the line for the boys every night.” And yet, despite all of his best efforts, the veteran blue line master couldn’t get his squad to where the fans had high hopes for.
A debut season of dreams with the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Tanev in July last year, after he was traded by the Dallas Stars in June. Chris signed a six-year, $27 million contract with Toronto, with an average value of $4.5 million. A jaw-dropping amount for an aged defenseman, we agree. But the Maple Leafs’ top brass knew it would be a move that would only bring them good luck.
NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA Stanley Cup Playoffs-Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs May 5, 2025 Toronto, Ontario, CAN Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev 8 skates against the Florida Panthers during the second period of game one in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto Scotiabank Arena Ontario CAN, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxE.xSokolowskix 20250505_jhp_ss9_0253
“His ability to play hard minutes against top players, penalty killing ability, and then you go from there,” said the Leafs’ GM, Brad Treliving, about Tanev’s signing. And his optimism couldn’t have found a better person to base it on. Toronto finished the season with 108 points, at the top of the division, undoubtedly bringing a big smile to Craig Berube’s face, who is also in his debut season as the in-charge of the Maple Leafs.
But the second round of the playoffs proved to be a hurdle that the team just couldn’t overcome. Despite best efforts by both Tanev and netminder Woll, the Panthers proved why they’re the reigning champs and won 4 out of the last five matches in the series to advance to the Conference Finals, where the Hurricanes now wait for them.
But while the dust settles, how impressed were you by Tanev’s defensive skills this season? Tell us in the comments!
The post Toronto Maple Leafs Defenceman Sets Almost Unattainable Playoffs Target Despite Team’s Brutal Exit appeared first on EssentiallySports.
