Chris Tanev makes his feelings known about ‘incredible’ time with Maple Leafs

Chris Tanev and the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the first year of their partnership. The talented defenseman signed a six-year $27 million deal in the offseason and they have been enjoying the benefits of having each other this campaign.

Tanev opened up on his new team and talked about how much fun he's having.

"Hockey is an incredible game, and just the bonds and friendships you create playing it are so important to me, just that locker room camaraderie is amazing, and it's such a big part of the game," Tanev said on Tuesday, via Leafslatest. "I've never had more fun playing than I am now."

Tanev added that there are times when hockey "isn't fun or not as satisfying" and he noted its peaks and "valleys of hell." The former Dallas Stars player has been in the league for 16 years, and he said there's something new about playing in Toronto.

"Regardless of what happened the day before, it's just fun coming to the rink and being around the guys and just being in that team camaraderie," Tanev said. "So, I mean, I definitely don't take any days for granted anymore"

Tanev has 10 points and is +11 this season. The Leafs are off to a hot start as they head into Friday's game against the Detroit Red Wings at 21-12-2.

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Chris Tanev set for return after one-game absence

Chris Tanev was a surprise scratch last time out for the Toronto Maple Leafs. The defenseman wasn't active during the loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Monday due to a lower-body injury, but he isn't expected to miss more time.

Chris Tanev should be back tomorrow (Imagn)

Leafs goalie Joseph Woll, who has stepped up in Anthony Stolarz's injury-induced absence, talked about what Tanev brings to the team.

"He's a great defenseman and obviously blocks a lot of pucks, so anytime you're missing one of your guys, it hurts," Woll said on Monday, via Yahoo! Sports. "But at the same time, I think we have a lot of depth and I trust our team to step up."

Tanev suffered the injury against the New York Islanders on Saturday, but he was a game-time decision versus the Jets. Tanev is expected to rejoin the lineup on Friday.