“It’s exciting,” the Seattle Kraken left winger said at on Monday. “It’s one of those things where as a kid growing up in pc28everyone dreams about it, and now his has come to reality. He’s a great add for them. Our family is extremely excited for him.”
“We chatted about it,” said Brandon. “I’ve been through it before. It’s a busy time. You want to give your brother space and let him go through things. So you know, when he told me that he was gonna be signing in Toronto, I was so happy for him.”
The Leafs hope the 34-year-old Tanev’s defensive awareness will raise the level of play of a blue-line corps that struggled at times last season. He has said he , although Brandon, 32, said that’s only because the Wings’ owners, the Ilitch family, and the Tanevs share a Macedonian background. Even so, Brandon believes Chris has what it takes to handle the spotlight as a Leaf: “I’m sure it’s difficult at times. But at the same time, he’s a professional. He takes care of himself, and he understands what it’s like to be playing in his hometown.”
The Tanevs are NHL throwbacks who play with grit and a work ethic learned while growing up and competing — from basement ministicks and road hockey to organized baseball and soccer — along with brother Kyle, the middle child.
“Anything we could try to beat each other at,” said Brandon. “I’m sure we’ve both had bragging rights (at) times ... You never want to lose to the little brother, and I always wanted to beat the older brother, so that’s definitely how things went.”
Both have had long NHL careers, although neither has won the Stanley Cup. Brandon is heading into his third full season with the Kraken after breaking in with the Winnipeg Jets and playing a season and a half with the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Kraken have made major changes behind the bench with former Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma taking over along with Jessica Campbell, the NHL’s first female assistant with a bench role.
“That’s such an amazing moment for her,” said Brandon. “She’s been in (AHL) Coachella for the last two years with Dan Bylsma and part of his staff. She deserves to be where she is. That’s amazing growth for the game.”
ճ supports Stollery Children’s Hospital, the United Jewish Appeal, Colby’s Kidz and SickKids Hospital.
Kevin McGran is a Star sports reporter based in Toronto. Follow
him on Bluesky @kevinmcgran
To join the conversation set a first and last name in your user profile.
Sign in or register for free to join the Conversation