'AN IMPORTANT PIECE'

TEMPE, ARI. - The big 700.
That ain't no number to scoff at.
Chris Tanev will reach the 700-game mark tonight as the Flames visit the Coyotes at Mullett Arena for the first stop of a three-game road swing.
It's been quite the journey for the rearguard to get to this point, having played the fourth-most games among active undrafted players in the NHL.

"It's fun to be playing for as long as I have," Tanev said following the morning skate. "I hope to continue to be able to play still for another few years.
"Just fun playing hockey and enjoying myself."

It was back on Jan. 18th, 2011 that Tanev made his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks when he laced 'em up in Denver.
It's a game he recalls fondly.
"Time goes by so quick but you do remember your first game," he said. "I think every guy remembers their first game. I didn't know if I was going to be in the lineup, got the nod in morning skate and just went out and played .
"It was awesome and a lot of fun. Still something I cherish today for sure."

There's no question just how valuable Tanev is to the Flames roster, bringing a reliable and calming presence to the Flames blueline.
And, when assistant coach Ryan Huska was asked what he means to club, the answer was simple but held so much weight.
"Everything."
High praise and rightly deserving.
"When you think of him and the way he approaches the game, there aren't many nights where you really can think back and say 'Chris wasn't here tonight,'" Huska continued. "He's a guy that shows up and does the hard things every night.
"For me to get the chance to work with him, I love it. He wants to get better every day. He has ideas, he takes ideas, he listens, he's someone I think our backend looks up to with how he approaches the game each and every night. How consistently he plays the game, doesn't change who he is and doesn't change his identity, he comes to play.
"He's such an important piece for our team, we know our record when he's not playing whether that's a direct result of him or not. What he does on the ice is really important for our group, what he does off is just as important. 700 games is pretty crazy."
A warrior and leader, so much can be said about a player who gives his all and means so much to the club.
"I just try to take pride in doing my job everyday," Tanev said. "Playing the right way and being a good teammate, good leader. I feel those are the things that let me play for so long."