Gary Roberts Has Some Advice for Chris Tanev Ahead of First Season with Maple Leafs

When Chris Tanev and the Toronto Maple Leafs came to terms on a 6-year deal this summer, it provided the organization with something they've lacked for years. At last, the team had gone out and secured a qualty right shot defenseman to pair with Morgan Rielly.

Tanev, being a Toronto native, knows the lofty expectations ahead of him. Despite the Maple Leafs' lack of playoff success, the core of this team has cup aspirations and Tanev will have a big role to play. In preparation for his biggest season yet, Tanev spoke with a beloved former Leaf for advice -- Gary Roberts.

"He had nothing but good things to say and he's extremely proud to be a Leaf," said Tanev of Roberts. "The teams he was on were quite successful. I mean, they didn't end up winning, but they had some good runs and good playoff series'. So, he definitely did give me some advice as I reached out to him," Tanev coninuted in an interview with Nick Barden of The Hockey News. The advice he received was, "Just be yourself and be good to the fans and enjoy yourself."

Simple, direct and matter-of-fact, just like Roberts. It really is that simple. Tanev has played with the pressure before and under the bright lights of Canadian markets like Vancouver and Calgary. Toronto is no different, only bigger, brighter and hungrier to see some real success at last.

Very soon, we'll see just how steady and reliable Tanev is. For the next 6 seasons, he'll be a Leaf, playing big minutes on the blueline at the top of the depth chart. As we approach the on-ice sessions in training camp, which begin on Thursday, things are about to pick up in Toronto, and the Tanev storyline will be a fun one to follow.