NHL fans react to Chris Tanev reportedly signing to the Toronto Maple Leafs (Image credit: Imagn)

According to reports, Chris Tanev is set to sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday once the NHL’s free agency begins. While nothing has been announced by the team yet, or confirmed by Tanev’s representatives, NHL insider Alain Quevillon has reported that the deal will be finalized Monday.

The development isn’t necessarily the most surprising, with previous reports indicating that a deal could be in the works. Earlier in the week, for example, a report from NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has Chris Tanev high on his wish list this summer.

After the pair established a successful relationship in Calgary, Tanev landed with the Dallas Stars for the final 19 games of the regular season. The big question between now and Monday is how long of a deal the Leafs will be signing Chris Tanev to and how much the club is willing to pay him.

In the past, the team hasn’t been quick to sign veteran players to long-term deals. The most likely scenario is a short-term contract given that Tanev is 34; however, given his history with Treliving, that could change.

However, NHL’s top insider Frank Seravalli made a shocking update by reporting that the Leafs acquired the rights of Dallas Stars Chris Tanev making the rumor true,

The news received some mixed reactions from the NHL community on social media, with some cracking jokes at the Leafs’ expense:

“Hope he likes first round exits,” one wrote.

“Still wouldn’t move the needle,” another added.

Others pointed out that having a deal finalized beforehand would be tampering:

“He’s not their property to talk to before July 1. How can everything be ‘set’?,” one asked.

“Tampering,” another fan responded.

Others weren’t sold on the move:

“Perfect a 35 year old injury prone dman, this should age well,” a commenter wrote.

“Another old veteran lands in Toronto to end his career,” another added.

“Good luck injury history,” another wrote.

Looking further at recent reports of Chris Tanev going to Toronto

As previously mentioned, there has been plenty of talk surrounding Chris Tanev potentially signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs. While it would be considered tampering for the franchise to have a deal finalized with Tanev before the start of free agency, we have seen similar cases before.

For example, back in 1999, the St. Louis Blues were hit with a $1.5 million fine – the equivalent of $2.8 million in today’s NHL. In addition, the Blues were ordered to give the Devils a first-round pick for violating the league’s anti-tampering rules.

Whether that is the case here and the Leafs and Tanev have a deal in place remains to be seen. Despite recent reports indicating that a move could take place, nothing has been made official yet.

Earlier in the week, Elliotte Friedman appeared on “SN 590 The Fan” to discuss the situation, making it clear that the Leafs are ready to make a big push at signing Tanev:

“They really like Tanev. And so, if they are really going to do something, for someone that they might not be willing to do for someone else, it’s possible for me that Tanev is the guy. We’ll see how it all plays out.”

If the Leafs sign Chris Tanev, it will be interesting to see how the move potentially impacts the team next season following their first-round playoff exit.