Tanev Brothers Could Team Up, But Not With the Kraken

The Ottawa Senators have been linked to defenseman Chris Tanev since the trade deadline, but the team also appears to be interested in his younger brother, Seattle Kraken forward Brandon Tanev.

Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports that the Senators have held talks with the Kraken regarding Brandon Tanev, who is signed through the upcoming season with a cap hit of $3.5 million. The 32-year-old winger scored seven goals and 16 points in 66 games with Seattle this season. He posted a career-high 16 goals and 35 points in 82 games during the 2022-23 season.

Garrioch notes the Senators are looking to move winger Mathieu Joseph, which would help accommodate Tanev's cap hit. Joseph, 27, was involved in trade rumors earlier this season as the Senators faced salary cap constraints but ultimately stayed put. He finished the year with 11 goals and 35 points in 72 games. Acquired from the Tampa Bay Lightning at the 2022 trade deadline, Joseph is signed through the 2025-26 season with a cap hit of $2.95 million.

Regarding Chris Tanev, TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger mentioned on TSN Radio 1200 Ottawa that he could re-sign with the Dallas Stars, who acquired him at the trade deadline. The 34-year-old defenseman finished the season with two goals and 19 points in 75 games between the Calgary Flames and Stars, adding two assists in 19 playoff games with Dallas.

Senators president and general manager Steve Staios has been linked to multiple big-name players as he looks to rejuvenate the team in his first off-season. Ottawa has missed the playoffs for the past seven seasons.

If Dallas doesn't sign Chris Tanev to a new deal, Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen reports that the Senators are ready to act. However, Chris Tanev previously vetoed a trade to Ottawa. "The Senators tried to bring in Tanev last season to help provide veteran help," Garrioch writes, "but he wouldn't waive his no-move clause to be dealt to Ottawa by the Calgary Flames."

The Senators are offering Chris Tanev the chance to play alongside his brother, which could entice him. A league executive confirmed that the Senators have discussed Brandon Tanev with the Kraken, envisioning him in a third- or fourth-line role.

According to the Dallas Morning News, Chris Tanev wants to stay with the Stars, and the team shares this sentiment. However, the salary cap could pose challenges, as retaining him might require more than $4.5 million per season.

Meanwhile, Brandon Tanev is entering the final year of his contract, with a cap hit of $3.5 million. Despite being a fan favorite in Seattle, the Kraken might consider moving his contract for a younger, cheaper, or superior replacement. This replacement could come via another trade using the saved cap space or by promoting a forward from Coachella Valley.