I think Tavares is really possible.

We are Leaf fans.....so we don't want to be homers and say it's possible.

In reality, he hasn't signed with NYI yet, and quite frankly I don't blame him.

TOR is a top option
- Santo_44

NYI or TOR or MTL

don't think there are any other realistic options out there (no - he's not going to sign willingly for Nashville - PK got traded there, definitely didn't pick the team himself).

Out: Bozak, JVR, Komarov, Moore, Gardiner.

In: Tavares and OEL
- H8terade

20m in & less out.
How are Matthews & Marner getting theirs?

I'm a believer management will hand those spots to more kids and I expect a fight for the playoffs next year. It'll be better long term though.
- Aaron_85

I am 100% for giving spots to young players but you can't expect them to replace veterans right away in terms of results and that means pain, more pain.

I don’t golf, I’m not a Sabres fan.
- Steven_Seagull

😂😂👍🍺

I am 100% for giving spots to young players but you can't expect them to replace veterans right away in terms of results and that means pain, more pain.
- Unholy_Goalie

Good. I like pain - give me pain.

NYI or TOR or MTL

don't think there are any other realistic options out there (no - he's not going to sign willingly for Nashville - PK got traded there, definitely didn't pick the team himself).
- MaximusAurelius

Flyers bro

Hyman-Matthews-Nylander
Marleau-?-Marner
Johnsson-Kadri-Kapanen
Leivo/Grundstrom-?-Brown

Is how I see it.

Obviously if they can get Tavares, he’s that 2C.

4C can be Aaltonen or GOAT, or Plek/Bozak if they come back cheap.
- Feeling Glucky?

Kappy or Johnsson could be gone for D help.

Hyman-Matthews-Nylander
?-Tavares-Marner
Marleau-Kadri-Kap
Johnsson/Grundstrom-?-Brown

I expect the leafs to take full advantage of their cap space this year. Expect a one year deal to someone to play in the top 6.

You won't get this with Gardiner though. Defense needs to be upgraded if Andersen is to face fewer shots. Gardiner is high risk/high reward type of D-man. Which we don't really need imo.
- PatC80

But you also won't get as much offense without him. And if they had another top-4 D they could rely on, you could play Gardiner less often in certain situations. But they definitely need Gardiner's offense, he's very good at that part of the game.

Yup, Tavares is a star. Adding him gives the Leafs the best Center group in the NHL.
- Santo_44

Better than Crosby Malkin Brassard?

It's close.

Yup.

Bad bounces and terrible goaltending.

When it all mixes together it looks like poop. At the end of the day goals win you games and you need to sustain more pressure in the offensive zone instead of getting killed in puck possession in your own zone.
- bryant

Eventually one team stops scoring (lead) and the other team has to respond (come-back).

Defense and Goaltending prevents what you just witnessed over the last 15 minutes of the game....

NYI or TOR or MTL

don't think there are any other realistic options out there (no - he's not going to sign willingly for Nashville - PK got traded there, definitely didn't pick the team himself).
- MaximusAurelius

Toronto is the best option for him.

I see it as NYI or TOR.

Of course, unless he wants money. Then it's up in the air.

Leaf management should be phoning the Yotes this summer and asking what ya willing to give up for hometown boy Matthews..

Better than Crosby Malkin Brassard?

It's close.
- david22

It's not close. Crosby still wins for the next few years. Crosby and Malkin at 35+ years old, then things might start to change.

Better than Crosby Malkin Brassard?

It's close.
- david22

Leafs are not getting Tavares. It’s a pipe dream people are having here. They need to look elsewhere for a centre or two

Better than Crosby Malkin Brassard?

It's close.
- david22

No it's not..some have won something

Toronto is the best option for him.

I see it as NYI or TOR.

Of course, unless he wants money. Then it's up in the air.
- Santo_44

It really isn't.

He has many more options than that.

Of course he wants money. Your dreams aren't part of his decision making.

Gardiner, Andersen and Bracco

For

Seabrook and Crawford

NYI or TOR or MTL

don't think there are any other realistic options out there (no - he's not going to sign willingly for Nashville - PK got traded there, definitely didn't pick the team himself).
- MaximusAurelius

If not NYI then only to a winner he goes.

VGK or SJ makes more sense

Better than Crosby Malkin Brassard?

It's close.
- david22

It obviously sparks a debate, the supporting cast would be an edge to Toronto IMO.

And if you are debating who's better out of Pittsburgh and Toronto, you are a cup faveorite. As are the Pens.

Leaf management should be phoning the Yotes this summer and asking what ya willing to give up for hometown boy Matthews..
- Fruitcakenipple

Can ghosts live in the desert?

It really isn't.

He has many more options than that.

Of course he wants money. Your dreams aren't part of his decision making.
- Unholy_Goalie

He wants to win.

The Leafs give him that, with also giving him the money.

I'm not even considering the fact that he might want to play for his hometown.

Toronto is most certainly a top option.

It obviously sparks a debate, the supporting cast would be an edge to Toronto IMO.

And if you are debating who's better out of Pittsburgh and Toronto, you are a cup faveorite. As are the Pens.
- Santo_44

Leafs are not getting Tavares. It’s a pipe dream people are having here. They need to look elsewhere for a centre or two
- LeafMan

Oh, I know. I think he will resign in NYI for what it's worth.

He wants to win.

The Leafs give him that, with also giving him the money.

I'm not even considering the fact that he might want to play for his hometown.

Toronto is most certainly a top option.
- Santo_44

Out in the 1st round. That's winning?

Nashville is a way better fit. More money, better team, quiet life.

It really isn't unless they blow the doors off with an offer nobody can match like 14 million a year or something crazy.

Tapping out until the Draft boys.

Take care, all of yous.

xoxoxoxoxoxxoxo