Darren Dreger Reveals John Tavares' Expected Salary Next Season
NHL insider Darren Dreger provides a crucial update on the status of negotiations between the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares in a new report.
According to Dreger, the belief is that the outlook is that the Leafs are going to want to keep Tavares in Toronto, given that he's still a leader in the locker room despite the fact he is no longer the team's captain.
Darren Dreger floated the number $5M, but says a deal would have to be below that:
And if you're Tavares, maybe you are, you know, looking at it and thinking, Well, I just put up big numbers, and I feel really, really good. I think I've got at least two more years of that in me."
Darren Dreger then related that Toronto may need to find a unique contract offer to sign Tavares while also keeping enough money to add if they need to:
Because, again, he's a good guy to have in the community, he's great in the room, and he produces on a game-in and game-out basis.
But I don't think they can have him making $5M. It's got to be less than that. How do you get there? That's going to be the challenge.»
Can Toronto Afford John Tavares?
The Toronto Maple Leafs face the challenge of not overpaying for Tavares, who at 34 is leaving his prime but can still be a decent enough contributor to get a decent amount on his next contract elsewhere.
David Pagnotta of 'The Fourth Period' reported previously that Tavares will likely take a short-term contract with the Leafs if he re-signs, letting him focus on settling for now in Toronto while being able for both sides to determine his future after each subsequent season.
John Tavares, 34, has 9 goals and 20 points in 21 games for the Leafs this season, with 29 goals and 65 points in 80 games last season, still a respectable total for Tavares.
But with his age it becomes clear to Toronto they can't break the bank, and can't really afford to with the fact the team still needs to sign fellow UFA forward Mitch Marner.
Marner, who could command a contract up to $14M in a similar vein fellow free agent superstar Mikko Rantanen who statistically has similarities to the Leafs youngster.
If Tavares will re-sign in Toronto, it seems likely the sensible amount would be one that both helps Tavares financially without handicapping Toronto's salary cap even more.
It's a deal that appears to have some flexibility left to be determined and will still need time to get done with the fact that there's still the need for re-signing Marner as well, with Tavares relegated to their second focus.
But the former Maple Leafs captain isn't too concerned and wants to be here for the long haul.
FAQ: John Tavares' Expected Salary Next Season per Darren Dreger
Q1: What is John Tavares' projected salary next year?
A1: There's no definitive answer, however Dreger believes it could be in the $5M or slightly lower mark for AAV. Toronto could also utilize some business strategy to keep Tavares and save money.
Q2: Does John Tavares want to re-sign with Toronto?
A2: Yes, Tavares does want to re-sign, as he has stated numerous times about his desire to stay, and wants to finish his career with his childhood team.
In closing, John Tavares has been an icon for the Maple Leafs since arriving and cemented himself as one of not only the league's best but also one of the Maple Leafs' most legendary players.
He deserves a respectable contract that gives him both stability and the respect he so rightly deserves.
