New Leafs Blueline Addition Paying Huge Dividends Early on This Season

Maple Leafs defender Chris Tanev has quickly established himself as a valuable asset during his early tenure with the team. Although Tanev has recorded just one assist in his first nine games, he has met the expectations set for him after signing a significant contract worth $4.5 million over the next six years. His fearlessness is just one quality that is earning him a lot of respect very early on.

While some questioned whether the Leafs overpaid for a 34-year-old, Tanev has proven his worth and then some by devouring pucks, leading the entire NHL with 34 blocked shots so far.

Blocking shots is an important function of a defenseman, make no mistake about it. Anytime a blueliner shuts down a shooting lane and eats rubber, he's earning the respect of his teammates and leading by example. Tanev is not only showing himself to be a quality teammate, but an elite defender and shot suppressor as well.

In addition to his impressive shot-blocking, Tanev fits seamlessly into new head coach Craig Berube's defensive style. Tanev himself has mentioned that the opportunity to be coached by Berube partially influenced his decision to join the Maple Leafs in free agency.

While Tanev's contributions have been a highlight in the Maple Leafs' underwhelming season thus far, fans should be even more excited about what he can bring to the table in the playoffs. He has been called a warrior by many past and present teammates and when the stakes get higher in the postseason, you can trust that when Tanev is on the ice, you're going to get 100% commitment to stop pucks from making it to the net. That's an underrated quality and one that Tanev is exceptional at. He's been a great addition thus far.