Darren Dreger hits John Tavares with a harsh reality amid contract negotiation
Photo credit: Awful Announcing
Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares is currently in the midst of a contract negotiation and according to TSN's Darren Dreger, Tavares may not like the end result.
Overall, it has been said time and time again that the Maple Leafs are very much interested in extending Tavares and keeping him with the franchise over the medium term.
He is getting up there in age and his production is starting to fall off just a little bit.
However, he is still a good player and he has done enough for the Leafs to want to give him more opportunities in the city.
In a recent report from Dreger, he dropped the bombshell that if Tavares did re-sign in Toronto, it would have to be for less than $5 million per year.
The bottom line is going to be, you know, what's a fair number? What is that fair AAV? I don't think it can be $5M. I think it has to be below that, and if you're Tavares, maybe you are like a Stamkos and you're looking at it and going, 'well, hmmm... I just put up big numbers and I feel really, really good, and I think I've got at least two more years of that in me.' Well, then it becomes more a negotiation of creativity.
Dreger just believes that with all of the players that need to be signed, Tavares at $5 million or above does not make sense.
John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs
That said, Dreger was adamant that the Leafs want to bring Tavares back, and they are happy with his play.
There's no doubt that the Leafs are going to want to keep John Tavares in the mix. Why wouldn't you? Because he's a good guy to have in the community, he's great in the room and he produces on a game in and game out basis. But, I don't think they can have him making $5M -- it's got to be less than that. How do you get there? That's going to be the challenge.
In 21 games this season, John Tavares has managed a total of 20 points with nine goals and 11 assists. He even has 1060 points for his entire career which goes to show his talent.
While Tavares may not have a ton of great seasons left, he is still playing extremely well and his point totals might force the Leafs into an uncomfortable situation.
Hopefully, both sides are able to figure out a solution.
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NOVEMBRE 29 | 153 ANSWERS Darren Dreger hits John Tavares with a harsh reality amid contract negotiation Do you believe that Darren Dreger is right about the John Tavares contract? | ||
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