Valji: former teammates of Calgary Flames Salute ‘Warrior’ Chris Tanev in exchange for Calgary

For three and a half seasons, Chris Tanev threw his body in front of more than 500 albums aimed at Calgary Flames‘ net.

The Bluero of Heart and Soul signed with the club in 2020 and blocked about 566 shots during the race of their flames, sixth most in the history of the franchise, and it was an integral mentor for people like people like Rasmus Andersson and Mackenzie Weegar Before being treated to Dallas last season.

It was also a key piece of the Title of the Pacific 2022 Division of Calgary, playing through a crooked neck, torn labr and a separate shoulder during that playoff race.

On Tuesday night, he returns to Calgary for the first time from the exchange, but as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Tanev’s impact still feels for a younger flame squad that shows a similar dedication by setting up an unexpected impulse for playoffs.

“A true competitor”, former Leaf NAZEM KADRI Said Tuesday morning before the clash of flame leaves in TSN 4 at 9 pm est. “A warrior. He will do anything for his team. That is something we really appreciate from him. Play pain, almost anything you need, he will provide … is presented to work every day, no matter how he feels. That is why he has received the contract and the respect he has received. “

Flame’s chief coach Ryan Huska spoke about Tanev’s impact on the locker room.

“He was a great teammate,” he said. “There were many things that you appreciate the way the game played. I think it’s now in Toronto, people probably recognize how good the player is. “

Huska also applauded the consistency of the veteran defender.

“Outside the lists,” he said. “There were not too many games you were like, ‘Whoa, Tanny. You’re not there.’ … No matter what the situation, I’ve never seen a boy play through things like him has played.”

Tanev said he looks at his time in Calgary with love. His son was born in the city and appreciated how fans loved the team, but gave the players their space.

“I really enjoyed my time,” journalists told Monday. “A large part of my life … I built a ton of relationships here that I will have forever. It was a great place to play. My family and I really enjoy it. “

Tanev is also happy that his protected in the rear of Calgary continues his legacy to dive without fear in front of the records. Andersson is fifth in the league with 123 blocked shots, while Weegar is the 12th. Tanev is third with 137.

“Both incredible players,” Tanev said about his former teammates. “Both great people. It is natural for them to continue progress as they are … They are tremendously talented and, outside the ice, they are as good of people as good players. That goes so long. “

Tanev has had a similar impact on the Maple Leafs costume in its first season with the team.

“It has been incredible,” captain Auston Matthews saying. “It has been quite good to meet him, being his teammate, a guy who obviously brings a lot of balance in the costume and a veteran player who has existed for a long time.”

Matthews said he has been more impressed by Tanev’s competitive fire.

“Just the way he competes out there. I’ve never seen someone block so many shots, ”he said. “Simply always find a path. It is not an easy or fun job to do, but it is the best. It has been an incredible addition to our team, on ice and outside. ”

Tanev has been impressed with how his former team has remained in the playoffs conversation during a season in which many thought they would be destined for the draft lottery.

“They have been playing very well,” he said. “It is a loan for players, credit for coaches, for everyone buying and having that same goal.

“Simply show how much people really don’t know about teams. You have some good people there and (they) work very hard. It’s great that everyone has bought and are playing well. “

Projected flame line

Huberdeau-Kadri-Farabee
Coleman-backlund-coronato
Sharangavich-Frost-Pespisil
Lomberg-Roney-Klapka

Hanley-Andersson
Bey-Weegar
Barrie-Pachal

Wolf (Starter)
Vladar