Curtis Joseph reveals Maple Leafs' $27,000,000 D-man as his Conn Smythe pick for 2025 Stanley Cup playoff MVP

Former NHL goaltender Curtis Joseph named Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev as his pick for the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy as Stanley Cup playoffs MVP.

Tanev has emerged as a key player for the Maple Leafs during their playoff run, anchoring their blue line with a gritty, physical style that has earned respect from teammates and opponents.

Chris Tanev leads all playoff skaters with 81 hits taken, 35 more than the next closest player, and ranks second in the playoffs with 28 shots blocked. In a recent appearance on the Spittin' Chiclets podcast, Joseph emphasized that Tanev's presence has bolstered the Maple Leafs' defense, making him a standout difference-maker on the backend.

"He is a stud defenseman. To me, he plays hard. I think this is a coming out for his career, playing for the Leafs, getting all eyes on him. This guy's got to be a no-brainer. I think that's a stud defenseman that the Leafs needed and they got. He's playing like one."

"So, you know, their D is big and strong. I mean, we don't see him get manhandled on their own end. I mean, all those guys are playing great, but I think Tanev has been the big difference-maker back there. So I enjoy watching all of it," Joseph said.

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He added (1:06:43 onwards):

"Chris Tanev for playoff MVP right now."

Tanev, currently signed to a six-year, $27 million contract, has notched three points through a goal and two assists in 10 playoff games. He also leads the Leafs in plus/minus with a +5 rating.

Toronto Maple Leafs HC hails Chris Tanev's play

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Craig Berube praised Tanev for embodying an old-school approach on the blue line.

Berube described the 35-year-old veteran as a fierce competitor who consistently sacrifices his body, whether by blocking shots or absorbing hits to make plays.

"He’s an old-school type of guy,” said Berube via Sportsnet. "Game recognize game. “He's a warrior. He’s a competitive person. Like, he’s right up there with all the ones that have been around, laying his body on the line every night, whether it’s a block, taking a hit to make a play. I mean, you name it. He’s going to lay it on the line."

Meanwhile, the Maple Leafs and the Florida Panthers are tied 2-2 in their Round 2 Eastern Conference series. Game 5 returns to Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. ET.

Also Read: Ex-NHL HC makes his thoughts crystal clear on whether Maple Leafs should alter top line after back-to-back losses

About the author

Abhishek is an NHL writer at Sportskeeda with over 2 years of sports reporting experience and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Delhi. He became a fan of ice hockey after watching NHL fight videos on YouTube, which led to him professionally writing about the sport and his continued interest in all things hockey.

A fan of the Boston Bruins, Abhishek considers their incredible comeback win against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2013 playoffs as the most iconic moment in the NHL. His admiration for the six-time Stanley Cup winners also comes from the team’s storied history, distinctive black and gold uniform and their success in the sport. His all-time favorite NHL players are Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid, for their ability to perform at the highest level consistently.

Abhishek ensures his reporting is fair and balanced by being well-researched in his details, which he expects to be relevant, up-to-date and in line with ethical standards. His specialties are doing detailed match analysis and covering fan reactions.

Abhishek enjoys music, traveling and going on walks with his three German Shepherds in his free time, along with learning about horticulture.

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Edited by Abhishek Dilta