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.