Brandon Tanev speaks out about the Maple Leafs’ infamous homecoming

Brandon, a Seattle Kraken forward and younger brother of Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Chris Tanev, spoke about his older brother’s transfer to his hometown team during the offseason.

Brandon was attending Zach Hyman’s Edmonton Oilers golf tournament on July 15 when he discussed his brother’s move to Toronto, which was set to take place on July 1, on TSN.

“Now that Chris is back home, it’s really exciting for him and my family, and it’s great to see him, as a local kid, wearing a Leafs jersey,” said Brandon Tanev.

The Tanev brothers, who hail from Toronto, played for the Kraken (Brandon), Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars (Chris) in the 2023-24 season, while the elder Tanev was traded before the March 8 deadline.

“It’s exciting, it’s one of those things that as a kid growing up in Toronto, everyone dreams about and now it’s a reality. So he’s a great addition for them and our family is super excited for him,” Tanev said.

Toronto sealed the signing of Chris Tanev just hours before free agency opened on July 1 by trading for his negotiating rights with the Stars. Once the market opened, the Leafs signed Tanev to a massive six-year, $27 million contract that runs through his 40th season.

Chris Tanev has played in 792 regular season games since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2011. In all those games, Tanev has scored 190 points, including 33 goals and 157 assists.

Maple Leafs Signing Chris Tanev Considered ‘Riskful’

Tanev is already 34 years old and has been plagued by injuries, making him a “risky” signing in the eyes of NHL insider Chris Johnston.

“It’s a long, risky contract. But this was exactly the type of player the Leafs needed and exactly the one that was available,” Johnston said on The Chris Johnston Show on July 4. “Assuming you’re healthy, which you can’t always assume with a 34-year-old who’s had a series of injuries, I think it’s certainly a good idea for the Leafs in the short term.”

According to Toronto Star insider Nick Kypreos, the Maple Leafs beat out all other franchises that tried to sign the defenseman on a long-term deal, and outbid the Stars by a total of $12 million, which was reportedly too high a payment for the aging defenseman.

Scott Maxwell of the Daily Faceoff named Tanev’s deal with Toronto one of the “honorable mentions” for the “worst contracts” signed in 2024.

“Not a bad addition, but the contract is enough above market value that it doesn’t feel like a win,” Maxwell wrote. “Chris Tanev is, in a vacuum, the perfect addition for the Leafs to help their defensive woes, but signing a 34-year-old to a six-year contract is insane.”

Maple Leafs Hockey Approaches Religious Level

By signing with the Maple Leafs and playing hockey in Toronto, Chris Tanev must prepare himself to be scrutinized daily, something his brother Brandon discussed when speaking to TSN.

“Yes, it will, I’m sure it will be difficult at times, but at the same time he’s a professional, he takes good care of himself and he understands what it’s like to play for his hometown. So he’s very excited about this great opportunity and I’m sure he’s looking forward to the start of the season,” Brandon said.

One of the Maple Leafs’ superstars, forward Mitch Marner, expressed a similar sentiment when speaking to reporters during the end-of-season availability, calling Toronto’s players “gods.”

“Of course we’re looked at like… gods here, honestly,” Marner said on May 6. “Something you really appreciate, the love you get here from this fan base and this attention is unlike anything else.”

Marner isn’t quite so godlike these days, however, with rumors of a potential trade away from Toronto surfacing daily. Marner has been linked to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a defenseman. He was also included in a Heavy Sports trade proposal to the New York Rangers in a swap for the Blueshirt’s captain.