'It's Not Really What I'm Focused On': A Candidate To Possibly Replace Alex Pietrangelo At 4 Nations, Chris Tanev Aims On Helping Maple Leafs Improve

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev isn't focusing on Team Canada's roster opening at the 4 Nations Face-Off, which begins mid-February.

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo pulled out of the tournament on Sunday. The team cited that the veteran defender will tend to an injury to remain healthy for the remainder of the regular season.

With an opening on the right side, several names have emerged as candidates, including Drew Doughty who's nearing a return from a fractured ankle he suffered in the pre-season.

He told reporters on Sunday that he hopes to play in the tournament with Canada.

Doughty has represented Canada on the world stage several times, including the 2010 and 2014 Olympics and the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, where his country won gold medals.

However, other names in the mix to represent Canada at the 4 Nations tournament — which will take place from Feb. 12 to 20 in Montreal and Boston — are Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard and Tanev, one of Toronto's top defenders this season.

"Whatever happens, happens," Tanev said on Tuesday.

"Just focused on in here right now and sort of setting ourselves up the last five games before the break happens. It's a big part of the season for us, can slingshot us into a good position coming out of the break and into the end of February."

Related: 'No Doubt He Should Be Highly Considered': Should Chris Tanev Make Team Canada's 4 Nations Face-Off Roster?

The 35-year-old leads the NHL in blocked shots this season with 132, 10 more than St. Louis Blues and Team Canada defenseman Colton Parayko. According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, Canada prefers to replace Pietrangelo with another right-shot defender.

Has Tanev had any discussions with Team Canada about the role?

"I've talked to [Brad Treliving] and stuff about it. But, as I said, it's not really what I'm focused on," the defenseman said. "The day to day stuff here is extremely important to me and just trying to get ourselves to where we need to be to be in a good spot going into this break. I think it's really important."

Related: 'He's Old School': Chris Tanev's Shot Blocking Ability On Full Display With Maple Leafs In Win Against Islanders

Tanev has one goal and 13 assists in 49 games with the Maple Leafs this season, averaging 19:51 of ice time under head coach Craig Berube. He's second among Toronto's defensemen with a 53.10 xGF% at five-on-five this season, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.

He signed a six-year, $27 million contract with the Maple Leafs on July 1 after the team acquired his rights in late June. His deal has an annual average value of $4.5 million per season until 2030.

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