Proof that the Toronto Maple Leafs almost acquired Chris Tanev emerges

The Toronto Maple Leafs were not shy about their interest in defenseman Chris Tanev heading into the trade deadline. For weeks there were rumors surrounding the organization regarding Chris Tanev. Unfortunately for the Maple Leafs, Chris Tanev would end up being traded to the Dallas Stars instead.

After the trade was completed it was reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs were one of the final teams in the running. However, there were no firm clues as to how close a deal was until today.

This morning a new post on X shows a pair of Toronto Maple Leafs gloves that apparently were supposed to belong to Chris Tanev. This means a trade was close enough that the equipment department made sure to have gloves ready for him to use if the deal got done.

Now of course this did not end up happening and the Toronto Maple Leafs would be eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. This led to a chain reaction of moves including the hiring of Craig Berube as the new head coach of the Maple Leafs.

If Chris Tanev did end up with the Maple Leafs it is difficult to predict how things would have changed but it is fun to try.

Source: Blade of Steel
Photo surfaces of piece of equipment proving Maple Leafs nearly acquired dman