TSN Overdrive Sparks Debate on Replacing John Tavares with Recent Stanley Cup Champion
A shocking debate on TSN's OverDrive got a bit heated over whether or not John Tavares is the right man for the Toronto Maple Leafs playoff run.
A year after it started to look as if John Tavares was beginning a decline in his 30s with an underwhelming, for Tavares, 65 points in 80 games played for the Leafs last season, Tavares has stormed back at a near PPG pace with 49 points in 51 games in 2024-25.
With what has been a positive season for Tavares this year, there is still concern for some if he's right for the Leafs top-six at 34, with it now being asked if there's a better option rather than Tavares that would possibly have him out of the top of Toronto's lineup.
Could John Tavares find himself on the outside looking in for Toronto's top forwards? And could it actually be a blessing in disguise?
Tavares Could Lose Top-Six Spot With Potential Leafs Addition
TSN's latest episode of Overdrive debated over the fit of Toronto Maple Leafs trade target Brayden Schenn, and on his role in a potential Leafs lineup with him in it.
Schenn is heavily linked to the Leafs with it appearing he's the player Toronto has zeroed in on.
Schenn, a center, could potentially move Tavares out as the team's #2 centre behind Auston Matthews in the team's depth chart and create a three-headed monster for the Leafs come playoff time.
Brian Hayes said that with Schenn, that he'd be the Leafs third line centre, not certain to take Tavares off of the second line, and that he wouldn't pay the rumored price of potentially two first round picks, or a first rounder and a top prospect.
The panel agreed that a top-nine group of Matthews, Tavares, & Schenn would be a great centre crop, but the price may be costly.
Jonas Siegel questioned the potential return, adding that there could even be a third piece as a "sweetener" if there is retention on Schenn's contract, where he is making $6.5M until 2028.
There is one major benefit for adding a top centre the caliber of Schenn.
With the lack of bottom-six scoring, adding an offensive forward means either them or Tavares would fill the need for offense on the third line, a massive need for the Leafs.
Plus he adds scoring, a winning pedigree and familiarity with head coach Craig Berube's system.
Although it's likely the Toronto Maple Leafs will continue asking on available top-nine forwards ahead of the March 7th Trade Deadline, the price of Schenn may be too costly.
The option of an equal or an upgrade on John Tavares would mean giving up a major return if such a player exists, and it doesn't necessarily guarantee them any success either.
