Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares need the right number
John Tavares has started the final year of his seven-year deal without his future secured.
Toronto Maple Leafs former captain John Tavares is into the final year of his seven year, $77 Million contract which leaves him as a pending unrestricted free agent for the second time in his career when July 1 comes around next summer.
Despite the Toronto Maple Leafs handing Tavares the biggest unrestricted free agent contract in the salary cap era, he still took a discount. However, if he hopes to remain in his hometown, the former first overall pick will need to take an even bigger cut on his wages this time around.
If he were to hit the open market, it is likely there would be multiple teams that would be willing to pay Tavares north of $6 Million a season on a three-year contract, however, for the Maple Leafs as a contending team, they can't afford to pay Tavares that money due to his future role.
It's going to be interesting to see what happens.
Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares need the right number
As it stands right now, the Leafs have only 2 quality NHL centres in their lineup, meaning they can't exactly afford to let Tavares walk after this season without making huge changes overall. Heading into the first year of his next contract he will be 35-years old and may be better suited as a top six winger or a third line center but as for now, the Leafs don't have other options.
Darren Dreger joined OverDrive on Wednesday before the season opener against the Montreal Canadiens and spoke about Tavares entering year without a future contract. He stated communication between the team and player are opens, but nothing is set to be signed.
With the team needing to fit into their budget sheets a likely raise for Mitch Marner, as well as significant raises for Matthew Knies and hopefully for Nick Robertson general manager Brad Treliving needs to approach with caution.
It should no longer be a contract that is best for the player, but what is best for the team and if Tavares wants more the team needs to let him walk. So what would be a good deal for the former 47-goal scorer?
Contract Offer #1 - One-year, $5 Million. By doing this deal you aren't committing a large cap hit long term and you are getting an additional year for six million cap break from what is hitting the team right now. If the team can't find a second line center, he may have one more year left.
Contract Offer #2 - Two-year, $4 Million. This is a respectful contract you can feel comfortable as a third line center or a second line winger.
Contract Offer #3 - Three-year, $3.5 Million. You are committing a little longer term which will go through his year 38 deal, but it is low enough that it can be managed if he completely falls off.
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We'll see what happens, but it all hinges on the Leafs success this year because they probably can't bring Tavares back otherwise.