<a href='https://www.markerzone.com/hockey/stats/nhl/player/Chris-Tanev-24775' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Chris Tanev</a> has just signed a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and Gary Bettman is keeping a close eye on a possible salary cap circumvention. There's been recurring controversies over the last few years with how NHL teams use LTIR to circumvent the salary cap. The Toronto Maple <a href='https://www.nhl.com/news/dallas-stars-lose-defenseman-chris-tanev-to-injury-in-game-4-loss' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Leafs signing of Chris Tanev</a> may be something worth keeping an eye on, and Gary Bettman will be definitely watching closely. Tanev has had recurring injuries, and likely will not be playing for the full duration of his contract, which means the Leafs will eventually place him on LTIR and his entire salary will be wiped off the cap. This will allow Toronto to spend on other players instead. <q>Gary Bettman watching every Stanley Cup contending team in the NHL abuse LTIR for cap space</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/McguirePetrov/status/1380957612838113286'> </a></blockquote></div> <q>The NHL set a precedent last year by allowing the Tampa Bay Lightning to do just this. Until the NHL closes the LTIR loophole, teams are going to continue to abuse it, and I can't blame them.</q> <div align='center'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/Metalpanthers/status/1491893286046470147'> </a></blockquote></div> No one can accuse the Leafs right now because Tanev is expected to start the season, so they technically have not done anything wrong, however if they spoke to Tanev and discussed possible LTIR down the road, that is where it becomes illegal. Look for Bettman and company to take a strong look at how LTIR affects the salary cap during the next round of CBA negotiations. Source: The Hockey Writers <a href='https://thehockeywriters.com/chris-tanev-iffy-contract-sparks-debate-about-nhl-ltir-rules/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEWLAxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTltb8gTwx0o5QDBS1Q7--XcqmAxYUXXwalX5HzU0cGPb1B7VSfw7NWtWQ_aem_PX-0kArOs73qa8S0VRRagA' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>Chris Tanev's Iffy Contract Sparks Debate About NHL LTIR Rules</a>