Following the Maple Leafs’ elimination from the 205 Stanley Cup playoffs, hypothesis has gone into overdrive relating to John Tavares’ future in Toronto.
Tavares has been adamant about his need to stick with the Maple Leafs. He’s reiterated on a number of events how being along with his hometown crew is one thing he’d reasonably pursue as an alternative of going elsewhere, doubtlessly for more cash.
Nonetheless, with the crew’s playoff futility on show every season, the membership’s administration might select to chop ties with the 34-year-old impending free agent.
If that’s the case, John Tavares might want to discover a new house this summer season. So, listed here are the highest 5 touchdown spots for the Toronto Maple Leafs’ former captain if he leaves city.
High 5 potential locations for former Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares
#5 Montreal Canadiens
Rumblings have surfaced about John Tavares being match for the Montreal Canadiens. Whereas he actually would add a strong, skilled heart in what is basically a younger core, the group could balk at a long-term deal.
If the Habs and Tavares can discover a center floor, including the veteran heart could possibly be the increase the crew must take the following step on their quest to return to relevance.
#4 Buffalo Sabres
A crew just like the Buffalo Sabres could possibly be determined sufficient to throw a long-term deal at Tavares to get a high-end top-six ahead to solidify its core.
Whereas Tavares might not be essentially chasing a considerable greenback quantity, he can be enticed to attempt to get the longest deal attainable at his age. That’s the place Buffalo, seeking to make a splash, might go off the deep finish and produce Tavares in on a six-year deal.
#3 Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are out there for strong veterans to insulate Connor Bedard as he continues to develop right into a franchise participant. As such, Tavares could possibly be an intriguing choice within the Windy Metropolis.
The Blackhawks don’t have a lot cap house to splurge on John Tavares. But when the crew agrees on a longer-term deal, they may get the AAV right down to an affordable level for his or her present cap limitation.
Whereas the Blackhawks as nonetheless a great distance from being contenders, Tavares could possibly be a bit that accelerates their path towards relevance.
#2 Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings shall be seeking to improve their lineup as a lot as attainable to get previous the primary spherical after yet one more defeat by the hands of the Edmonton Oilers.
Tavares might change into a beneficial piece to assist the membership recover from the hump and again into one other lengthy playoff run given his consistency and expertise. The Kings could must get a little bit inventive to suit Tavares’ contract beneath the cap however might make it work.
#1 Pittsburgh Penguins
Essentially the most evident connection between John Tavares and the Pittsburgh Penguins is GM Kyle Dubas. Dubas was instrumental in bringing Tavares to Toronto. Plus, there’s a identified relationship there that would resume now that John Tavares is a free agent.
The Penguins shall be seeking to retool this season as Evgeni Malkin has introduced that subsequent season shall be his final and Sidney Crosby is probably going nearing the tip.
With Crosby and Malkin finally leaving, the Penguins will want a veteran participant to guide the transition into what looks like an evitable rebuild. Within the meantime, Dubas and the Penguins could possibly be seeking to financial institution on another playoff push earlier than Malkin and Crosby dangle up their skates for good.
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Edited by Nestor Quixtan