Should the Toronto Maple Leafs sign Brandon Tanev this offseason?

As the Toronto Maple Leafs regroup after another disappointing playoff exit, discussions in the front office are increasing about possible low-cost veteran additions. One name that keeps coming up is Toronto-born Brandon Tanev.

At 33, Tanev is recognized more for his toughness than his scoring. The undrafted left wing started his NHL career in 2016 and plays with a hard-driving style, aggressive forechecking, and strong hits. After a midseason trade from the Seattle Kraken to the Winnipeg Jets on March 7, Tanev will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He has also represented Canada at the 2024 IIHF World Championship.

Does he fit the Leafs?

His playing style makes him a typical Craig Berube bottom-six performer, but players like this don’t come cheap at the deadline. In fact, Winnipeg traded a 2027 second-round pick to the Kraken for Tanev and Luke Schenn, which demonstrates his value.

Beyond his production, Tanev has a special connection to Toronto. He is a Toronto-born player and is the brother of current Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev. Brandon’s return would mark a true homecoming, which is often rare for the Leafs, and could build chemistry both on and off the ice. The rare situation would give the Leafs a dynamic offence and defensive duo.

This offseason, the Leafs will face strict cap limits and a complex UFA market. With cap space estimated at about $26M and obligations to Mitch Marner and John Tavares on the horizon, any possible Tanev contract will be closely examined. Toronto should go after Tanev with a short-term deal, ideally two to three years in the $2-3M AAV range. This would allow the Leafs to get a solid depth piece without making a huge dent in their cap space.

What about term?

It remains unclear how long Brandon will sign for. Although it’s unclear if Tanev will sign multi-year contracts at the market, the Leafs are said to prefer stability over one-year rentals.

Toronto has prioritized physicality, grit, coordinated defence and harder play under new coach Craig Berube. This change was prompted by the team’s lack of playoff success. Tanev is an excellent penalty killer, a seasoned agitator, and an enthusiastic forechecker who would help the team.

He would offer Berube the depth and attitude he is looking for if he were placed in a third-line position with players like Steven Lorentz or even Easton Cowan. Tanev is a quick and tested addition to a conference that is becoming increasingly characterized by grit and energy.

So why not sign him?

Despite the benefits, several factors must be considered. Toronto’s left-wing group is already quite deep. Adding Tanev might reduce ice time for younger players like Bobby McMann or up-and-coming players in the system. Despite the additional cap space, Tanev’s signing could result in missing out on other players and missing out on re-signing vital players due to cap pressures, particularly if the Leafs want a longer-term deal. Tanev isn’t a franchise-changing superstar; he is neither Mitch Marner nor John Tavares. He serves as a depth reinforcement instead.

He would help the bottom-six, but it would not be enough to reshape the core four.

If Toronto is able to get Tanev on a two-year deal worth roughly $2–3M AAV, he’s a solid fit that will help bolster the bottom-six. He checks the boxes: Toronto born, physical, family ties, playoff-tested, coach-approved and an overall solid addition to the team.

What now?

Brandon Tanev isn’t the player he was a few years ago, but nonetheless, he is the type of player this team is looking for. If they decide not to pursue him, there are alternatives. This is the year for younger players to step up and prove themselves. With the core four essentially done, the team will need contributions from up and down the lineup. They may pursue other veteran options on the free agent market, with someone like Brad Marchand available, the cap space could be put to a bigger star.

For an edge-challenged, coherence-stricken Leafs roster, Tanev is enticing—but not essential. The issue is whether the Maple Leafs can fit his contract into their offseason plan without hindering flexibility. If the math is right, Tanev might be just the kind of undervalued veteran who adds depth to a roster bound for the playoffs without straining the wallet.

But if the price or the term gets too high, or if Toronto wants to enable their youth to push internally, the Leafs are able to opt out and explore other options.