Winnipeg has agreed to terms with Providence College senior Brandon Tanev on a one-year, two-way contract for the remainder of this season -- a pro-rated deal with an average annual value of $925,000.
“We are very excited that Brandon has chosen to sign with the Jets,” GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said in a release. “Brandon enjoyed a tremendously successful collegiate career at Providence and will bring a combination of high end speed, energy, and physicality that complement the identity of the Winnipeg Jets.
“We have been consistently impressed by Brandon’s pace of play, his competitive level night in and night out, and his ability to get on the puck. Brandon’s game fits that of the Winnipeg Jets nicely, and we are excited to add a player of his ability to our organization.”
If the Tanev surname sounds familiar, that’s because Brandon -- who just wrapped a four-year career at Providence -- is the younger brother of Vancouver defenseman Chris Tanev, who himself was an undrafted college free agent from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Per TSN, “as many as a dozen” NHL clubs had shown interest in Brandon.
The 24-year-old scored 15 goals and 28 points in 38 games for the Friars this year. His biggest collegiate highlight was scoring the game-winning goal in the 2015 NCAA title game, helping Providence beat Jack Eichel-led Boston University.
It’s not surprising teams were interesting in adding Brandon, given the success his older brother’s had at the NHL level.
After a brief stint at R.I.T, Chris emerged as one of Vancouver’s top blueliners and, last March, signed a five-year, $22.25 million extension with the club, one that will keep him with the Canucks through 2020.