Toronto Maple Leafs: John Tavares Prediction

The Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares is a topic that will never stop being talked about until after Tavares is signed.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are now known to have clear interest in signing the superstar centre.  Now, that seems obvious……I mean why wouldn’t they…….until you remember all the warm-takers (those are the guys so afraid to be wrong, ever, that they everything they say is a measured statement that, due to extreme waffling, cannot be wrong) said that the Cap Hit just DOESN’T WORK OUT, and that it WASN’T REALISTIC. (I wrote a Don’t Do It piece here, but with very little conviction).

Bob Mackenzie tweeted out yesterday that the Leafs are putting out a promotional video to woo Tavares should he make it to fee agency (see Tweet below). This is somewhat embarrassing (I mean, is a guy on the verge of an $80-odd million dollar contract going to be convinced by Mitch Marner pointing out the many Gatorade and Insurance dollars to be made here?) but it does show that the Leafs intend to sign him.

And they might as well.  Tavares would instantly become the second or third best player in the last 30 years to wear the uniform of the Lefas (after Matthews and Sundin).  And he’s available for free.  (Other than the money).

Pros and Cons

As I wrote here, I fully expect the Leafs to land Tavares.

We know 100% that they are going to try (if he doesn’t sign this week) and as a hometown kid, I think the temptation will be too great for Tavares to resist.  Not only does he get to play in Toronto, but the Leafs also happen to be on the verge of being the best team in the NHL .

To recap:

• The Leafs are going to try
• Tavares gets to play at home
• Joins the best up and coming team, with the most progressive front office in hockey.
• Becomes instant legend.
• Gets the attention he probably deserves but hasn’t gotten
• Almost guaranteed Cup.
• Become one of the highest paid players in the NHL.

I just can’t see how you would choose to pass this up.  Tavares will be a Leaf, I maintain my previous conviction.  What are the cons?  Other than the fact its hard to get value out of these mega deals, none really. The Leafs don’t NEED to do this, and there’s an argument for being cautious, but really who cares? It’s hockey, something that exists to make life more fun, and signing one of the best players in the world would be fun as hell.

Next: How the Leafs Will Use All 7 of their Draft Picks

There’s lots of talk about one-year deals, one-year deals designed to segue into eight (meaning nine) year deals etc.  It will be interesting to see how this goes down, but one thing is for sure:

Unless you clearly remember 1967, this is the best time ever to be a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs.  I predict, as I long have, that Tavares will join the Leafs this July.