Recent Report on Alex Pietrangelo Opens Up Huge Potential Opportunity for Leafs' Chris Tanev
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Veteran defender Chris Tanev may be the perfect replacement for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off, following an injury to blueliner Alex Pietrangelo.
The Toronto Maple Leafs' impressive season continues as they sit atop the Atlantic Division with a 30-18-2 record.
One of the key contributors to their success is veteran defenseman Chris Tanev, who has been far and away the team's best blueliner this season. Head coach Craig Berube has even singled him out
as one of his favourite players on the roster due to how he plays the game.
Despite Tanev's strong play this season, he was not initially selected for Team Canada's 4 Nations roster. However, it was announced on Sunday that Alex Pietrangelo will be unable to participate in the tournament due to injury, as per Chris Johnston on X.
"The #VGK announce that Alex Pietrangelo is withdrawing from Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off team to tend to an ailment."
It has since been confirmed that Team Canada is actively looking for a replacement on the blueline. Elliotte Friedman shared the following update on X:
"At this time, Team Canada is still working on naming Pietrangelo's replacement. The deadline is Feb 11, the day before Canada plays Sweden. But the desire is to do it before team arrives in Montreal."
Tanev's leadership on and off the ice has been crucial to the Leafs' success, as his steady, calming presence has a positive effect on his teammates.
While the 35-year-old isn't flashy, he's an ideal stay-at-home defenseman, which could be exactly what Team Canada needs, especially when it comes to shutting down opponents in tight games.
Only time will tell if Tanev will get the call to represent Team Canada, but even if he doesn't, he has been a game changer for the Maple Leafs and will continue to be just that as the season wears on.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
POLL |
JANVIER 26 | 2668 ANSWERS Recent Report on Alex Pietrangelo Opens Up Huge Potential Opportunity for Leafs' Chris Tanev Should Team Canada give Chris Tanev the call for the 4 Nations squad to replace Alex Pietrangelo? |
Yes | 1927 | 72.2 % |
No | 741 | 27.8 % |
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