Veteran defenseman Christopher Tanev spent his entire NHL career with Vancouver Canucks and it appears that he doesn’t wish to change that.
Tanev, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent, recently had a chat with reporters and told the media that he would “love” to stay with Canucks past this season. According to the 30-year-old defenseman, he would be especially excited to continue his partnership with young All-Star Quinn Hughes.
“I’d love to stay here and play with Quinn as long as I’m able to,” said Tanev. “I think we played great together when we did this year and I think we both enjoyed it.”
Canucks’ head coach Travis Green frequently paired Tanev and Hughes this season, and it proved to be a winning combination for the team. Hughes provided eight goals and 48 assists in his first full season in the league, while Tanev added 20 points (two goals and 18 assists) to help Vancouver to a 36-27-6 record and a chance to make the postseason for the first time since 2015.
Christopher Tanev now wants to finish 2019/20 on a high, which is why he’s focused more on the in-play series against Minnesota Wild than his contract.
“I’m ready to play hockey,” he added. “I think I can get a contract regardless. I feel like I’m going to play well. If we play playoffs, then I’m confident in my abilities.
Tanev made his NHL debut in 2010 and has since played 514 games in the league while contributing with 22 goals and 96 assists. He also has one World Cup gold medal with the Canadian national team from 2016.
