Chris Tanev is not only the No. 1 defenceman for the Vancouver Canucks, but he could also play an important role for Team Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Championship in Russia.
Tanev is the kind of defensive defenceman coaches want in today’s NHL. Instead of being big, slow and entirely defensive-minded, Tanev is a quick, agile skater with great puck skills and hockey sense who can drive the puck up ice just as well as he defends it.
The East York, Ontario, native was undrafted but has 311 NHL contests under his belt. He recorded four goals and 18 points in 69 this season.