Tavares

[Kin]

It means no signing with the Islanders before the week leading to free agency. That's about it.

I'm not sure it would even mean that much. He could meet with all five teams and still sign before he officially hits the market if he wanted.

 

[bustaheims]

I'm not sure how much this means but:

Stamkos did the same thing, so, basically, it means he wants to hear what's out there before making a decision.

 

[Bill_Berg]

It means no signing with the Islanders before the week leading to free agency. That's about it.

I'm not sure it would even mean that much. He could meet with all five teams and still sign before he officially hits the market if he wanted.

I meant the week before July 1st. Could of signed today. Not anymore!

 

[mr grieves]

From Arthur Staple of The Athletic:

It?s believed at least three teams are assured of meetings with Tavares and his camp: The Leafs, Sharks, and Stars. The Lightning and Kings ? the latter a long-desired destination of Tavares if he were to leave the Isles ? could also get into the mix.

This is assuming he doesn't re-sign with the Islanders in the next couple days.

Can't see any way that this works now that Kovalchuk is signed to go along with LAK's collection of horrible contracts.

 

[Zee]

Queue up the video montage Leafs!

 

[herman]

https://twitter.com/thefourthperiod/status/1010613638959427584

 

[L K]

So minimum the Leafs are probably going to have to pay him 7*11/77 or possible 7*12/84 to come close number-wise.  I'm not sure that's a great idea given that Matthews is coming off an injury limited 74 goals/132 points in 144 games.  Tavares scored 53 goals and 121 points in his first two seasons.  If he takes the next step in his game he's going to pull in 15 million.

 

[Guilt Trip]

So minimum the Leafs are probably going to have to pay him 7*11/77 or possible 7*12/84 to come close number-wise.  I'm not sure that's a great idea given that Matthews is coming off an injury limited 74 goals/132 points in 144 games.  Tavares scored 53 goals and 121 points in his first two seasons.  If he takes the next step in his game he's going to pull in 15 million.

Matthews will not be paid more then McDavid. Don't care how good of a season he has.

 

[Fanatic]

https://twitter.com/StapeAthletic/status/1011061287344852993

https://twitter.com/StapeAthletic/status/1011080681403879424

 

[Zee]

Dreger throwing out the rumor that the Leafs will offer Tavares the captaincy as part of the pitch.  I don't buy it.  This is Dreger trying to get clicks. 

 

[herman]

This is Dreger trying to get clicks.

That's Dreger's job.

Also, the kerning on my browser might be a bit off, but I totally read that alliteratively.

 

[Zee]

This is Dreger trying to get clicks.

That's Dreger's job.

Also, the kerning on my browser might be a bit off, but I totally read that alliteratively.

;D ;D ;D

 

[Kin]

Can't see any way that this works now that Kovalchuk is signed to go along with LAK's collection of horrible contracts.

I said this to busta in the other thread but I don't see it as being all that difficult. Bribe someone to take Phaneuf, trade Toffoli and you're effectively there.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

If I'm Tavares though there's no way I could sign with LA unless Doughty signs his extension at the same time. That team without him is... yikes. Especially with that ageing forward core.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

Dreger throwing out the rumor that the Leafs will offer Tavares the captaincy as part of the pitch.  I don't buy it.  This is Dreger trying to get clicks. 

Why? I wouldn't be surprised at all if that's part of the discussion.

 

[Kin]

Dreger throwing out the rumor that the Leafs will offer Tavares the captaincy as part of the pitch.  I don't buy it.  This is Dreger trying to get clicks. 

Why? I wouldn't be surprised at all if that's part of the discussion.

I actually think it makes a certain amount of sense insomuch as it would shift a lot of pressure off the shoulders of MNM.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

I actually think it makes a certain amount of sense insomuch as it would shift a lot of pressure off the shoulders of MNM.

If it was my decision I would absolutely give him the C right away, largely because of that sort of reasoning. I think the only issue would be does Tavares want all that pressure on top of the pressure the huge contract in this market would already bring?

 

[ZBBM]

Dreger throwing out the rumor that the Leafs will offer Tavares the captaincy as part of the pitch.  I don't buy it.  This is Dreger trying to get clicks. 

Why? I wouldn't be surprised at all if that's part of the discussion.

I actually think it makes a certain amount of sense insomuch as it would shift a lot of pressure off the shoulders of MNM.

The captaincy ought to be a side issue but it brings up a fundamental argument against going after Tavares: you can only have one 1C and Matthews no doubt views himself as that guy.  Having two alpha males playing the same role on the team is an invitation to controversy ... which the Toronto media will only be too glad to stoke.

For me, having to pay $84M for the services of Tavares is money that can and should be spent elsewhere.

 

[CarltonTheBear]

The captaincy ought to be a side issue but it brings up a fundamental argument against going after Tavares: you can only have one 1C and Matthews no doubt views himself as that guy.  Having two alpha males playing the same role on the team is an invitation to controversy

 

[Kin]

I actually think it makes a certain amount of sense insomuch as it would shift a lot of pressure off the shoulders of MNM.

If it was my decision I would absolutely give him the C right away, largely because of that sort of reasoning. I think the only issue would be does Tavares want all that pressure on top of the pressure the huge contract in this market would already bring?

Absolutely. I think you at least make it part of the conversation. See if that's something he wants but frame it as a sign of just how much they believe in him and what he brings to the table.

I know we've all seen a Matthews' captaincy as an inevitability but he may just not be that kind of guy just yet. If the Leafs land a guy who would make for a good Captain and could handle that pressure, even if he's not a superstar, I think that would be a positive step forward for the team.