In a major move to strengthen their defense, the Toronto Maple Leafs have agreed to a six-year contract with defenseman Chris Tanev. The deal is worth $4.5 million annually, and comes just days after Tanev's rights were traded to his hometown team.

The trade, orchestrated by the Dallas Stars, saw Tanev's rights go to the Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round pick and prospect forward Max Ellis. This allowed the Leafs to have an exclusive window to negotiate with Tanev before he could enter free agency.

The signing of Tanev addresses one of the Leafs' objectives this offseason - finding a right-handed shot defenseman to complement Morgan Rielly on the team's top defensive pairing. Tanev, 34, will bring his defensive expertise and offensive contributions to the Leafs. With 11 consecutive seasons of more than 10 points, Tanev's presence on the ice will undoubtedly bolster the team's performance.

The Leafs have faced challenges in balancing their defensive lineup with three players earning over $10 million annually. However, with Tanev on board, they now have a formidable defensive duo that can provide a new dynamic to their game.

For the Dallas Stars, the trade leaves them with just two defensemen under contract, with Thomas Harley being a pending restricted free agent. The Stars will need to address their defensive needs as they move forward after being eliminated from the Western Conference final.

With the addition of Tanev, the Maple Leafs now have seven defensemen under contract, and CapFriendly projects them to have $7.58 million in available salary cap space. This signing demonstrates the Leafs' commitment to improving their defense and solidifying their roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Overall, the Toronto Maple Leafs' acquisition of Chris Tanev is an important move that addresses their defensive needs and adds depth to their lineup. With Tanev's experience and skill set, the Leafs have taken a significant step towards becoming a stronger and more balanced team.