TORONTO – “Chris Tanev for playoff MVP!”
Veteran Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Curtis Joseph recently discussed his former team`s intense second-round playoff series against the Florida Panthers on the *Spittin’ Chiclets* podcast and spontaneously nominated Chris Tanev as an early candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy (playoff MVP).
Despite Joseph`s endorsement, Tanev, 35, is considered a long shot for the award, regardless of how far the Leafs advance. Defensemen known primarily for defensive play, blocking shots, and making simple, effective passes typically aren`t contenders for prestigious individual awards like the Conn Smythe.
However, if goaltenders were given a vote, he might be a top choice. Notably, two starting playoff goalies – Joseph Woll of Toronto and Jake Oettinger of Dallas – have reportedly praised playing behind a defender like Tanev.
Joseph sees Tanev as a foundational piece of the current Maple Leafs defense corps, calling it the team`s smartest and toughest of the `Core Four` era. He highlights Tanev`s role in the team`s success, noting the Leafs lead the Sweet 16 teams in blocked shots (215). Joseph also believes Tanev should be a guaranteed selection for Team Canada`s 2026 Olympic roster, mentioning he was close to making the 4 Nations team.
“He’s a stud defenseman to me. He plays hard,” Joseph commented. He feels Tanev playing for the Leafs, with the added scrutiny, is a significant moment in his career.
Joseph concluded, “All those guys are playing great, but Tanev has been the big difference-maker back there.”
Tanev`s strong performance is underscored by his team-leading plus/minus rating (+31 in the regular season, +5 in the playoffs), achieved while consistently facing the opponent`s top lines.
Asked about Tanev`s ranking among defensemen he`s played with, teammate Simon Benoit responded:
“He’s up there,” Benoit said after a brief pause. “Probably top one.”
Tanev leads all playoff skaters by a significant margin in hits taken (81), well ahead of the next player, teammate Morgan Rielly (46).
William Nylander expressed his admiration:
“Taking hits, blocking shots. Just laying his body on the line for the boys every night.”
Notably, five of the top ten most hit players in the league are Leafs defensemen (Tanev, Rielly, Jake McCabe, Benoit, Brandon Carlo). This statistic highlights the physical style of play favored by the Florida Panthers, and raises concerns for the Leafs as the series becomes a battle of endurance.
Florida`s Matthew Tkachuk acknowledged their strategy:
“We play a certain style that’s hard to play and hard to play against. It’s no secret, we try to put everything in and try to be physical. And not just on (Tanev), but it`s on their whole team.”
Tkachuk added, “Over a course of a series, if you continue to do that shift after shift, it’s human nature — you’re going to wear down.”
Despite this constant physical challenge, the undrafted Tanev remains unfazed and fearless.
The veteran defenseman is likened to an “inflatable punching bag” – a player who gets knocked down but always gets back up, reminiscent of the Chumbawamba song.
His defense partner, Jake McCabe, called him:
“Tough as they come.” McCabe added, “He’s so steady. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to win. We’re lucky to have him.”
Coach Craig Berube, himself known for an `old-school` approach, praised Tanev:
“He’s an old-school type of guy. He’s a warrior. He’s a competitive person. Like, he’s right up there with all the ones that have been around, laying his body on the line every night, whether it’s a block, taking a hit to make a play. I mean, you name it. He’s going to lay it on the line.”
Tristan Blackwood