For three-and-a-half seasons, Chris Tanev threw his body in front of more than 500 pucks directed at the Calgary Flames’ net.

The heart-and-soul blueliner signed with the club in 2020 and blocked some 566 shots during his Flames’ career, sixth most in franchise history, and was an integral mentor to the likes of Rasmus Andersson and MacKenzie Weegar before getting dealt to Dallas last season.

He was also a key piece of Calgary’s 2022 Pacific Division title season, playing through a sprained neck, torn labrum, and separated shoulder during that playoff run.

On Tuesday night, he returns to Calgary for the first time since the trade, but as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Tanev’s impact is still felt by a younger Flames squad showing similar dedication in mounting an unexpected push for the playoffs.

“A true competitor,” former Leaf

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