Former Flame Chris Tanev on Pace to Break "Painful" NHL Record

Chris Tanev’s shot-blocking heroics have reached record-breaking levels this season, his first with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The veteran defenseman, known for his willingness to stand in the way of any shot, is averaging an astounding 3.5 blocked shots per game. According to Jonas Siegel of The Athletic, at this pace, Tanev is projected to finish the season with 285 blocked shots, surpassing Kris Russell’s NHL record of 283, set during the 2014-15 campaign.

Currently leading the league with 66 blocked shots in 19 games, Tanev’s effort is rewriting the Leafs’ record books as well. His projected total would demolish Carl Gunnarsson’s franchise single-season record of 176 and outpace Tanev’s career-high of 207.

When asked about his willingness to put his body on the line and go through what often has to be nearly unbearable pain, Tanev downplayed the risks. “Sometimes it hurts. Sometimes you don’t feel it,” he said. “If it gets you in a good spot, you don’t feel anything.”

Tanev has faced his share of consequences for doing what he does, including breaking his leg twice while blocking shots.

Former teammates in Calgary know what his current teammates do. Fellow defensemen like Jake McCabe and Simon Benoit gave props to Tanev, saying, “He’s probably saving as many goals as some other players would score goals.”

Tanev is also within arms-length of former Calgary blueliner, Mark Giordano. Gio holds the all-time blocked shots record (2,164). He's currently sitting at 1,718 and has 446 more to go. But, the record is within reach.

For Tanev, his approach to the game is pretty black and white. He noted, “I want to win, so if that’s gonna help, then that’s what I do.” If he happens to set the record for blocked shots as the Maple Leafs finally get over their playoff hump, the team's bet to sign him in free agency will have been well worth it.

It's the Stanley Cup that matters and the bruises along the way will simply be a reminder of what it took to get there.