The Tanev brothers have never suited up for the same hockey team.
That would change if the Pittsburgh Penguins, current home of Brandon, younger brother to the Vancouver Canucks’ Chris, were to make an offer next month when the 2020 free agency window opens.
Citing multiple sources, The Athletic reported Tuesday the Penguins are prepared to offer Tanev a five-year deal if the 10-year pro isn’t re-signed by the Canucks before Oct. 9, when players will finally become free agents this year.
The younger Tanev, considered one of the league’s better checking wingers, was signed to a deal that averages $3.5 million per season until 2025.
It’s believed Pittsburgh general manager Jim Rutherford would be willing to offer Chris Tanev a five-year deal, matching the remaining length of Brandon’s contract, The Athletic reported.
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan is reputedly a big fan of Tanev’s, being familiar with the defender’s skills from the season in spent in Vancouver as John Tortorella’s assistant coach for the 2013-14 season.
TSN 1040’s Rick Dhaliwal reported Tuesday that the Canucks have yet to make an offer to the pending free agent , who is at the end of a five-year deal that paid him $4.45 million per season.
Tanev said earlier this month he hopes to remain with the Canucks, the team that signed him as an NCAA free agent in 2010 , but of course the team’s tight cap situation means that might not be possible.
It’s believed the Canucks’ top re-signing priorities are Jacob Markstrom and Tyler Toffoli.
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