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RUMOR BLOG>Tavares Jersey Bound? From Devils Beat Chris Shaleesh |
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John Tavares To NJ?
There’s no question General Manager Tom Fitzgerald already has a plan in place for when free agency opens on July 1st. Part of this that plan should include at the very least of kicking the tires on a potential deal with Maple Leaf’s soon to beek UFA, John Tavares.
With Toronto stearing yet another playoff failure in the head lights, the Leaf's are sure to cut ties with some significant personnel.
Tavares who will be 38 years old when the pucks drop s next season, has not yet shown signs of slowing production. Throughout his career Tavares has been a very steady point per game player. In the last three seasons recording 2119 points in 235 games. JT has also proven to be pretty durable as well. The center iceman has played 75 games or more in 12 of his 16 NHL seasons missing only 14 games of total over the last four campaigns
With his size (6"'1” 211lbs), durability, consistent scoring and leadership qualities, Tavares would be a great fit in NJ. With an approximate contract of $7-8m per over three years, it wouldn’t be too easy for the Devils to crunch, but it is doable. As I reported in April the Devils are looking to move on from Dougie Hamilton and his $9m per until 27’-28’. With Tomas Tatar, Nate Bastian, Curtis Lazar and Daniel Sprong entering unrestricted free agency, this should open up over $6m in space. Moving on from underperforming contracts with Erik Haula ($3.15m for one more year) and Ondrej Palat ($6m til 26-27’) should also be considered by Fitzgerald. If Fitz moves and or lets all walk, that gives the Devils an additional $24m. On top of all of that, the salary cap is expected to jump nearly $30m by the 27’-28’ season, making Tavares’ projected $7-8m contract a lot less of a burden.
Let me know what you think about JT to NJ in the comments.
Also, what free agents are on your wish list? Bennett? Marner? Ehlers?
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