The Vancouver Canucks locked up Chris Tanev Tuesday.
The defenceman inked a five-year, $22.5-million extension worth an average annual salary of $4.45 million, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Tanev’s new deal, which takes him through the 2020-21 season, more than doubles the blueliner’s salary. Tanev’s previous contract, which carried a $2 million cap hit, expires July 1, at which point he would have become a restricted free agent.
“Chris has developed into an excellent NHL defenceman and is an extremely important part of our team,” Canucks general manager Jim Benning said in a press release. “He’s a player you want on the ice in the most critical points of a game and we’re excited about having him with our group as we continue to play to win today, with an eye to the future.”
The 25-year-old Toronto native has recorded 16 points and 10 penalty minutes in his sixth season with the Canucks, who signed him as a free agent in May 2010.
He currently ranks second on the team with a +10 rating, first on the team in shorthanded time on ice per game (2:46) and second in even-strength time on ice per game (17:55). Tanev also leads the team and ranks 13th in the league in blocked shots this season with 153.
Among Vancouver defencemen, Tanev’s cap hit ranks fourth behind Alex Edler ($5 million), Kevin Bieksa ($4.6 million) and Dan Hamhuis ($4.5 million).
March 24, 2015
Vancouver Canucks
