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The Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares Follow Up

By Mike Stephens

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 30: (EDITORS NOTE: Image Converted to Black and White) John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders high fives a fan on his way to warm-up prior to the game against Toronto Maple Leafs at Barclays Center on March 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 30: (EDITORS NOTE: Image Converted to Black and White) John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders high fives a fan on his way to warm-up prior to the game against Toronto Maple Leafs at Barclays Center on March 30, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Earlier this week, I asked you to provide your take on the rumours linking John Tavares to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

As always, you did not disappoint.

So, without further adieu, here are some notable comments from you, our loyal readers. Enjoy.

Troy Cleghorn

“Is this legal? Why wouldn’t it be? This is a really good idea. I am surprised this hasn’t happened yet, although I guess a UFA worth doing this for hasn’t presented itself.

On July 1, sign for 1 year (and now you are immediately in your ‘last’ year of your contract) and can negotiate your extension for 8 more years with your ‘current’ team. Essentially locking in for 9 years.”

Kojack’s Cousin

“Listen, I am NOT advocating anything I’m about to write. But, here’s a possible way it MIGHT work. Anyhow: to get Tavares on the Leafs, first of all, the salary scheme proposed by Mike is pretty interesting. Also, John’s revenue potential on the Leafs is likely 4X more than anywhere else. Especially when considering jersey sales, TV commercials etc. To accommodate his salary, Nylander has to be moved for an RHD. There are enough young guys ready to come up. But, still, have to get Maroon and probably another winger. No big deal there.

I do suspect getting Tavares would hurt negotiations with Matthews, who might very well settle for a bridge contract and wait for an opportunity to go to Arizona.

I think Tavares would really help the Leafs. But, also hurt then as explained above.

Realistically, just go after Paul Stastny or Rick Nash. Trade for Mark Pysyk. Sign Patrick Maroon. Trade Jake Gardiner for picks and another centre. Sign Calvin DeHaan to two years. Trade Curtis McElhinney and bring up Garret Sparks. Options are too numerous to list.

Getting Tavares won’t, and probably shouldn’t, be part of the plan. Regardless, Friday night, Saturday, and July 1st will be interesting. And hopefully AWESOME!!”

Ed Ceraso

“As an Islanders fan, I obviously have a bias here. But, you guys need to give it up already. JT may not come back to the Isles. But, he is NOT going to Toronto. First, he will never sign a one-year deal, regardless of any “hand-shake agreement” since (assuming it is even legal) 100% of the risk is on the player (injury history goes out the window once you’re injured), and if you’ve listened to him over his career, he is looking for security here. Plus, he is a union guy, so any bargain purchase option would be a really long long-shot.

There’s also a flaw in your math comparing 7/77m to 1/16 plus 8/64 – yes, that’s +3m, but over two extra years.

Then consider this nonsense about the Matthews/Marner/Nylander situation. I don’t know how you think you get Marner for $6m AAV. MAYBE Nylander in some kind of a bridge deal. But, Marner could already command $9-10m just based on deals like Draisaitl’s. No way you trade any one of those 20-21 year-olds for a 28-year-old, no matter what you’re dreaming of…sorry.”

Robert

“I believe they have the cap space now. And in the future. With depth on the wing and at D, the Leafs should be able to consistently surround their biggest contracts with players who support a big 4.

Marleau’s contract is coming off the books over the next couple seasons. Plus, Gardiner’s contract will come off the books next year. I would consider trading Kadri for a higher pick this year. Then replace him by signing Riley Nash.

By replacing the 4.5 – 6 million dollar players with lower annual average salaries, you utilize the Leafs depth and current assets. Replace Kadri with Nash. Replace Marleau with Andreas Johnsson. Replace Gardiner with Noah Dobson or Evan Bouchard. A 15 million cap hit is replaced with 8 million. All without altering the level of play substantially. And, while more than replacing the offence by adding Tavares. In some ways, it better reflects both paths the Leafs are trying to establish. A rebuilding team and a competitive team.

There are many examples of teams with more than 3 top of the scale average annual. I think it can be done, and I think that Tavares would drive a 2nd – 1st unit.

I honestly can’t see why Toronto wouldn’t take advantage of such a huge opportunity to add such a plus to their team. If JT re-signs with the islanders – fine. The Leafs have all kinds of future. But, he is a huge free asset.

How can they not be interested?”

Paul Wolfe

“I just don’t see it! Nice hockey player, but just can’t see the money!”

Next: The Marlies are Calder Cup Champions

Thanks for reading! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled next week for another instalment of “What Do You Think?”

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