Toronto Maple Leafs Identify John Tavares' Replacement Amid Fiery Contract Negotiations
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Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares is in the midst of a contract negotiation that is going nowhere, and one insider believes the Leafs could have a replacement.
John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs have not won anything together, despite the forward's solid production in the regular season.
When it comes to the playoffs, the former captain has frequently crumbled under the pressure. However, the team's front office is still willing to bring him back, at a discount.
The Leafs want Tavares for cheap. They reportedly offered him a three-year deal worth just under $4 million per season. Of course, Tavares wants more than that and believes he could fetch $8 million somewhere else.
Are the Toronto Maple Leafs replacing John Tavares?
While appearing on TSN 1050's 'First Up,' NHL insider Chris Johnston offered some fascinating insight into the Tavares situation and what the Leafs' contingency plan is.
For now, there is no official Plan B in Leaf-land. However, Mikael Granlund is expected to be on the team's radar. He is a left-handed center who has had success over the years. Unfortunately, his big issue is injuries.
I don't think there is a plan B. Maybe they go and try and sign Mikael Granlund, for example, but I don't think anyone could view that as an improvement.
Given these injuries, they could probably acquire someone like Granlund at a discounted price. Whatever the case may be, this might just be the player the Leafs need if Tavares walks.
Granlund has proven himself to be a solid NHL forward, and he can produce like a second-line center should. Whether or not other teams scoop him up first, still remains to be seen.
This is going to be a fascinating free agency for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and all eyes will be on general manager Brad Treliving over the coming days.
July 1st is less than a week away, and things are going to get very interesting for everyone involved.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 25 | 438 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Identify John Tavares' Replacement Amid Fiery Contract Negotiations Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs should replace John Tavares with Mikael Granlund? | ||
| YES | 85 | 19.4 % |
| NO | 353 | 80.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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