The Toronto Maple Leafs must decide whether to give John Tavares a contract extension or let him go. Prior to discussing my viewpoint on this matter, let me draw attention to a recent discussion that TSN analyst Frankie Corrado had on the Jay Onrait Show.
Corrado compared the circumstances around Tavares to those the Tampa Bay Lightning faced with Steven Stamkos this summer. In essence, Corrado said the Toronto Maple Leafs shouldn’t be scared to let Tavares go if the Lightning were prepared to part with their captain following two Stanley Cup victories.
Here’s the important part: Corrado emphasized that Tavares had yet to win in Toronto. Although Tavares has performed “exceptionally well” in every aspect, Corrado believes that his sole shortcoming has been managing a team of players that hasn’t yet won a championship.
Even though those are harsh remarks, that is the reality. The Leafs have only won one postseason series in Tavares’ six seasons. Tavares’ achievement may be contested if the Leafs had advanced to at least the Stanley Cup Final. Unfortunately, that isn’t true.
Forecasting John Tavares’ Contract Extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs
In my opinion, Tavares should be extended by the Leafs. There are a few requirements to be aware of, though.
Tavares shouldn’t sign a long-term contract, to start. I concur with Corrado that the best deal would be one that lasts three to four years. Tavares would be in Robidas Island territory if he went over it.
Second, Corrado estimated that this next contract might have a $6 million cap hit. On that point, I beg to differ with Corrado. Tavares isn’t worth that much right now, in my opinion. A rebuilding team like San Jose or Utah, which might be searching for a big name to take on the role of team captain, could offer him that on the open market.
If Tavares stays in Toronto, he should be able to expect to make about $5 million a season. However, Tavares might earn more money outside of Toronto, as Corrado said. If Tavares makes decisions based primarily on money, he need to look for a deal elsewhere.
And last, where exactly Tavares should play remains a question. Although Tavares has adapted to his advanced age quite well thus far, the Leafs may need to take that into account if they decide to extend him. Tavares won’t be able to play as a second-line center for much longer.
Three-line center for five million dollars?
It would make the most sense to move Tavares on the wing. He remains a forward in the top six. The Leafs would have more options if he were assigned to a less demanding position. But until the organization finds someone who can replace Tavares at center, Craig Berube is stuck with him.
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In the end, given the correct situation, I would extend Tavares if I were the general manager of the Leafs. An instance of that would be a Stanley Cup. If the Leafs don’t win the Cup this year, it would be wiser to let Mitch Marner play another season and let Tavares go.
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