Maple Leafs' Chris Tanev Records 200th Career NHL Point – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Friday night's win against the Buffalo Sabers was about the return of goaltender Matt Murray to the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup after more than 600 days out of the NHL. But their deep points and physicality were also on display – something fans should enjoy.

Besides, their best players came to play on Friday, and others made history on the way to a 6-3 victory over Murray and the Maple Leafs. One of those players was first-year Maple Leafs defenseman Chris Tanev, who recorded his 200th NHL point on William Nylander's third-inning empty-net goal.

The assist was the ninth of the season for the 35-year-old, who is known more for his defense and physical play than his offense. But it was also his 10th point in 33 games this season for the Maple Leafs.

The assist marked his 200th point in 825 regular season games with the Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars and Maple Leafs giving him a career average of 0.24 points per game in his career.

Tanev becomes the 395th defenseman in NHL history to record 200 career points and just the 78th active defenseman to reach the milestone. As an undrafted player, Tanev also became the 415th undrafted player in NHL history to record 200 points.

A blocked shooting machine, Tanev is nine points shy of his point total from last season — spread between the Flames and Stars — and just 18 points shy of his career high of 28 points recorded as a member of the Flames back in 2021-22. .

Tanev has been a huge addition to the Maple Leafs roster this season, averaging 19:37 of ice time per game this season and blocking more shots than any other player in the NHL this season. If nothing else, it's a milestone for a player known for his defensive play.