Elliotte Friedman Confirms Potential Scenario Between John Tavares & the Toronto Maple Leafs
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares is up for a new contract, and according to Elliotte Friedman, we could very well see an interesting salary structure for the star.
John Tavares is coming off a fantastic season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, as he managed 38 goals and an extra 36 assists for a total of 74 points in 75 games.
Overall, this was a great season for the 34-year-old, and it came at the perfect time as he is currently seeking a new contract with the Leafs.
It has been stated that Tavares would like to return to Toronto. For the most part, the feeling is mutual, but once negotiations begin, things can get pretty unpredictable.
Is John Tavares staying with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
While speaking on the radio this week, Elliotte Friedman made some comments about the Tavares and Leafs negotiations. He explained that in his mind, a deal will get done prior to July 1st.
In fact, he wouldn't be surprised if the Leafs give Tavares a 6-year deal at a low AAV, just like they did with Chris Tanev, and just like the Tampa Bay Lightning did with Yanni Gourde.
On the FAN Hockey Show, Elliotte Friedman says he still thinks Tavares will re-sign before free agency and adds he can't help but wonder if Tavares ends up with a deal in the Tanev/Gourde structure-more term and lower AAV-instead of something like two years at blank AAV
Gourde was signed to a six-year deal worth a total of $14 million. That is an AAV of $2.33 million, which doesn't break the bank. It also takes Gourde until he is 39 years old.
The Leafs could do something similar with Tavares to clear up cap space and keep him locked in with the franchise until the time he retires.
Of course, things could get dicey by the end of the deal, but if he gives you another 38 goals, then a low cap hit will make him a bit of a bargain.
Only time will tell whether or not the Leafs can get these negotiations off the ground and bring John Tavares back, once and for all.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 4 | 517 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman Confirms Potential Scenario Between John Tavares & the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you believe John Tavares is coming back to the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 467 | 90.3 % |
| NO | 50 | 9.7 % |
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