Chris Tanev trade rumors: Canucks asking price is reportedly very high

Vancouver Canucks defenseman Chris Tanev is on the trading block, but the asking price for him is reportedly very high. 

The Vancouver Canucks are slowly starting to accept their fate. They’re a rebuilding team. The Canucks need to add more young talent to their team, especially with the Sedin twins’ careers coming to an end in the near future. Chris Tanev is one player Vancouver has considered trading. However, the asking price for him, according to Elliotte Friedman, is very high.

"The one thing I’ve heard is other GMs who say they’ve reached out to Vancouver have been told that this is no guarantee. And if Chris Tanev is going anywhere, the price is going to be very high for him… I don’t think Vancouver is looking to do this unless it’s a great deal."

Canucks general manager Jim Benning has a very tough decision to make about Tanev. Sure, he could fetch Vancouver a huge return. Tanev is one of the best shutdown defensemen in the NHL. His possession numbers aren’t impressive, but very few players suppress shot attempts like him. On a better team, Tanev’s possession numbers would most likely improve.

But on the other hand, Vancouver would have a huge hole on their blue line if they trade him. The Canucks are short on right-handed defensemen as is. Trading Tanev would leave them barren on the right side.

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It appears Benning is approaching this situation correctly. He shouldn’t trade Tanev for anything less than a very good return. The price for defensemen has risen. Teams are willing to pay a lot to get quality defensemen. Tanev would be a huge addition to any team. If paired with someone who can drive offense, he could stop being one of the most underrated defensemen in the NHL.