Darren Dreger Reveals the Lengths John Tavares is Willing to Go to Stay with the Maple Leafs
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares is up for a new contract and according to Darren Dreger, the forward is very keen on staying where he is.
John Tavares has been sensational this season with 35 goals and 69 points in 67 games. This is a level of production that no one saw coming this season and the fans are loving it.
However, Tavares is up for a new contract at the end of the season and many are worried about whether or not he is going to re-sign with the team.
The Leafs also have to sign Mitch Marner and Matthew Knies, while the former captain's production is now making his price almost too much to bare.
John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs
However, according to Darren Dreger of TSN, the veteran forward is willing to do anything to remain with the Leafs.
In fact, Tavares would even be willing to defer payments on his deal knowing it would help the team's salary cap situation.
John Tavares will NOT get an $11 million AAV contract again with the Leafs-that's clear. But if his next deal is in the $6-7 million range, it becomes more realistic. A four- or five-year term could help spread out the cap hit.
As Chris Johnston noted a few months ago, Tavares may be open to deferring money, similar to what other NHL players have done. He wants to stay in Toronto and finish his career with the Leafs, making it difficult for the team to ignore the possibility of keeping him.
As Chris Johnston noted a few months ago, Tavares may be open to deferring money, similar to what other NHL players have done. He wants to stay in Toronto and finish his career with the Leafs, making it difficult for the team to ignore the possibility of keeping him.
Dreger noted that the Tavares wants to stay and that the rising salary cap certainly makes this process easier for the Leafs. Simply put, they should just give him what he wants.
He's never been the fastest player, but he remains highly productive, reliable, and elite on faceoffs. He also keeps himself in top shape, so concerns about his age are less of a factor. On top of that, he understands the Leafs have other contract priorities and is willing to be patient.
The rising salary cap gives the Leafs more flexibility, but how long they wait will matter. If his asking price isn't manageable for Brad Treliving, things could get complicated. The market would likely offer him more than the Leafs are willing to pay, but everything suggests he wants to stay-as long as the deal is reasonable.
The rising salary cap gives the Leafs more flexibility, but how long they wait will matter. If his asking price isn't manageable for Brad Treliving, things could get complicated. The market would likely offer him more than the Leafs are willing to pay, but everything suggests he wants to stay-as long as the deal is reasonable.
The Leafs have a lot to think about but for the good of the fans, they should absolutely keep Tavares on board.
He has been a consummate professional with this Leafs team and the fans would truly hate to see him go.
| POLL | ||
MARS 31 | 426 ANSWERS Darren Dreger Reveals the Lengths John Tavares is Willing to Go to Stay with the Maple Leafs Do you believe John Tavares will stay with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 406 | 95.3 % |
| NO | 20 | 4.7 % |
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