Maple Leafs Hit with Big Price Tag to Keep John Tavares in Toronto
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The Toronto Maple Leafs' price tag for John Tavares has been revealed by Pierre LeBrun and it might be a bit pricier than some might anticipate.
Several reports have come out recently regarding John Tavares and whether or not he is going to stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs. We know he wants to stay but talks have been far apart as the team tries to save money while Tavares attempts to maximize his earning potential.
It feels like this is going to come down to the wire, and while the team is hopeful they can get a long-term deal done with some stretched out money; Tavares might not bite and end up heading elsewhere.
Toronto's starting point should be $5-million: Pierre LeBrun
The biggest debate has been what is the contract going to cost, given that he is coming off an $11-million deal and a 38-goal campaign; but is 34 and only getting older.
But according to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, he believes there's a sweet spot to getting Tavares to re-sign, and it feels like a very reasonable starting point at the very least:
Tavares is willing to take less than market value to stay in Toronto. So he's not trying to come close to Nelson's new deal, as far as I can tell.
On the open market on a two-year deal, I believe Tavares could fetch $7.5 million if not $8 million. Again, on a two-year deal.
If the Leafs put four years and a $5 million AAV on the table, Tavares would probably take it. I don't think he would do $5 million for three years, though.
So that's similar to Duchene's deal (which was negotiated by CAA as well) - just a tad more to reflect the different tax realities of the markets.
But both sides need to move toward each other over the coming days. And I think they will.
I just can't see the Leafs being OK losing both Tavares and Mitch Marner at the same time - that's 176 points from this past season out the door - and I think it's real just how badly Tavares wants to stay home. - Pierre LeBrun
On the open market on a two-year deal, I believe Tavares could fetch $7.5 million if not $8 million. Again, on a two-year deal.
If the Leafs put four years and a $5 million AAV on the table, Tavares would probably take it. I don't think he would do $5 million for three years, though.
So that's similar to Duchene's deal (which was negotiated by CAA as well) - just a tad more to reflect the different tax realities of the markets.
But both sides need to move toward each other over the coming days. And I think they will.
I just can't see the Leafs being OK losing both Tavares and Mitch Marner at the same time - that's 176 points from this past season out the door - and I think it's real just how badly Tavares wants to stay home. - Pierre LeBrun
With that being said, can the Maple Leafs give Tavares what he wants enough to keep him around?
Toronto should be careful not to overpay Tavares out of desperation
A starting point of $5-million is a great baseline for a new deal. It's a shade under half of what he used to make, and he can certainly work with that over a four-year term (that pushes his career earnings to $140-million).
But if he isn't willing to budge on that, then meeting in the middle would be perfect. Just give him a shade over that halfway point, and it might give them a chance to make it three years rather than four.
A $5.75-million per year deal would give Tavares a $17.25-million contract; that gives him almost the same amount as a four-year pact, and it gives him a chance to earn more money in his true final deal at age 37, and he'll get paid (especially if he keeps his current pace).
If Tavares feels that he can make more on the open market, and get a Brock Nelson level deal, the Maple Leafs shouldn't be afraid to walk away and let him go elsewhere.
All the talk about loyalty has come to a head, and now is the time for John Tavares to show he's willing to work with Toronto; so long as the price is right.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 25|630 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Hit with Big Price Tag to Keep John Tavares in Toronto How much would you pay John Tavares per season? | ||
| $4M | 152 | 24.1 % |
| $5M | 324 | 51.4 % |
| $6M | 127 | 20.2 % |
| $7M+ | 27 | 4.3 % |
| List of polls | ||