Maple Leafs willing to use loophole to circumvent cap to sign Chris Tanev

The Toronto Maple Leafs are prepared to take advantage of a free agency loophole in order to acquire the defensive help they've been lacking for a few years.

With free agency approaching, it appears that the Toronto Maple Leafs will make a major move to acquire a top-4 defense. They are searching for a way around the pay cap in order to do that.

The Leafs are considering signing Chris Tanev to a five- or six-year contract in order to save a little money due to the longer term, according to Chris Johnston of TSN on The Chris Johnston Show.

»I think the Leafs are willing to get creative on a contract with Chris Tanev even despite his age and his injury historyyou might see him sign a longer term contract with wherever he lands and that could be a way to lower the AAV for him I don't think you can rule out a five or six year deal this time around and I think Toronto is one of the teams that is going to be knocking on his door.»

Despite his past history of injuries, 34-year-old Tanev has established himself as a dependable shutdown defender. Giving him a long-term contract at the age of 34, however, increases the chance that he will get hurt or decide to retire. Therefore, if he were to not play out his contract, the Leafs would have the option to use long-term injured reserve to make up the difference between the time he retires from the game and the end of his contract. The best kind of cap circumvention.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

Former Arizona Coyotes owner gives up full control of the team to NHL

Vancouver Canucks and Chicago Blackhawks complete trade

Former Maple Leaf Sergei Berezin passes away at 52

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