The trade deadline is coming up fast and teams are lining up to acquire the highly coveted top-four defenseman Chris Tanev. According to reports, a Western Conference team has emerged as the clear frontrunner to acquire his services.
Stars GM Jim Nill didn't confirm their specific interest but admitted to seeking an upgrade in defense. He highlighted the importance of bolstering their defensive lineup, emphasizing the need for depth in that area.
While the Stars have been historically strong defensively, this season has seen some challenges, with their offensive performance outpacing their defensive stability. Nill believes there's still room for improvement, especially in finding the right balance between offense and defense, crucial for playoff success.
Tanev, who's set to become an unrestricted free agent, is attracting considerable attention as the March 8 trade deadline approaches. Despite having a limited no-trade clause, Tanev's availability has sparked interest from multiple teams, including the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs. He currently carries a $4.5 million cap hit.