Brandon Tanev, the 33-year-old forward from Toronto, Canada, recently signed a three-year contract with the Utah Mammoth, marking a significant addition to the team's roster. Tanev's journey to Utah is paved with experiences from his time with the Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Seattle Kraken, making him a seasoned player ready to bring his unique energy to the ice.
Tanev's career didn't follow the typical path of a drafted player. After successful stints in the Ontario Junior Hockey League and the British Columbia Hockey League, he played for Providence College, where he won an NCAA championship in 2015. His performance caught the eye of the Winnipeg Jets, who signed him to his first NHL contract. Tanev's time in Winnipeg, followed by stints in Pittsburgh and Seattle, showcased his reliability as a bottom-six forward, contributing both offensively and defensively. In 552 NHL games, Tanev has recorded 84 goals and 96 assists, also accumulating 249 penalty minutes.
Known for his energetic play style and vocal presence in the locker room, Tanev is expected to bring valuable leadership to the Utah Mammoth, especially among the team's younger players. "There's so many good, young players on this team and being a part of that is going to be great," Tanev said. "Being an older guy, (I'm going to) try to help them in aspects of the game. But at the same time, be a great teammate in the locker room around these guys". The Mammoth's General Manager, Bill Armstrong, sees Tanev as a solid bottom-six forward who will inject physicality and character into the team.
Tanev's impact extends beyond the ice. He is also known for his unique NHL headshot, which has gained a cult following. "It just came about years ago in Pittsburgh," Tanev explained. "It just happened during our media day and the picture kind of went viral. Everyone enjoyed it and so it's one of those things where hockey is such an intense sport, it's very serious, and we obviously take our jobs and what we do at the highest level".
Mammoth fans have already expressed excitement about Tanev's arrival. His signing is viewed as a positive move for the team, with fans appreciating his energy and ability to create chaos for opponents. "Tanev is cool," one fan commented. "I mean, if you want 5 goals per year from a player". Another fan noted that Tanev "was fun to watch, he brought energy when the team needed it". This enthusiasm suggests that Tanev has the potential to become a fan favorite in Utah.
As Tanev embarks on this new chapter with the Utah Mammoth, he is eager to contribute to the team's growth and success. "It's an exciting time to be in Utah," Tanev shared. "I think there's a great, young group of core players here with the Mammoth, the ownership group, a desire to be good and to be good now is huge". With his experience, energy, and character, Brandon Tanev is poised to become a cult hero for the Utah Mammoth.
