Tanev is one away from breaking the Maple Leafs' single-season blocked shots record.
Feb 6, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev (8) is pictured during a game against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev isn't interested in discussing personal accolades.
Entering Saturday's game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Tanev is tied with Carl Gunnarsson for the Maple Leafs' single-season blocked shots record since the NHL began tracking the stat in 2005.
The 35-year-old has blocked 176 shots this season, and with one more, he will be the sole holder of the Maple Leafs' single-season record.
"I did not know that," Tanev said on Saturday morning, ahead of their game against the Blue Jackets. "It is what is. I really don’t care."
The Toronto-born defenseman has the fourth-most blocks in the NHL this season, only behind Rasmus Andersson (184), Ian Cole (195), and Jacob Trouba (201). The Maple Leafs have had players in the past who aren't afraid to put their body in front of shots, like Mark Giordano and Ron Hainsey.
But Toronto hasn't had a player like Tanev — who puts his body on the line and plays in most situations — in a significant amount of time.
"I think it’s a big part of his game and he knows it, and he knows how valuable it is," Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube said.
"When a person like that, and how he plays the game and understands how important blocking shots are whether it’s on the penalty kill or five-on-five play, he takes pride in that and that’s why he’s able to do what he does.
"You gotta be willing to want to do it, and he’s willing to get in front of anything."
When a team has someone like that, who puts himself in front of almost every shot, it creates a trickle-down effect with other players. Other guys will want to do it, too, helping the team defensively.
Max Domi didn't know Tanev was approaching the record, but a big smile went over his face when he was told about it.
"It’s insane. I mean, there’s not many guys that want to do that job and there’s a reason he’s the best at it. He’s been doing it for a long, long time. It’s the most selfless thing you can do is eat a puck for your teammates so he does it better than anyone," Domi said.
"That’s great to see. We’re very lucky to have him. You see what he does on the PK and all that stuff, how hard he completes, plays through injuries, all that stuff you kind of wish you could have in a perfect hockey player. So, he’s awesome."
Tanev joined the Maple Leafs on a six-year, $27 million contract on July 1 and has since registered two goals and 15 assists while averaging 19:43 of ice time. He's a defenseman Toronto hasn't had in a while, and he'll be vital when the team enters the postseason.
