On John Tavares …
Chris Nichols of FanRag Sports: Pierre LeBrun was on TSN 690 with pending free agent John Tavares’ name coming up and who could be interested in signing him if he hits the open market.
LeBrun on if the Toronto Maple Leafs could be one of the teams.
“I don’t see how they would be, other than he’s from there,” said LeBrun. “But you never know. One thing about the Leafs under this regime is that they’ve surprised people. No one saw them going after Patrick Marleau, right. So who knows. But it doesn’t seem like something that makes sense.”
One scout was telling LeBrun that the Leafs are such a talented team, but they need help on the blue line. Why not try to sign UFA John Carlson or trade for some help on the defense.
LeBrun spoke with Tavares’ agent Pat Brisson who said there is nothing new to report as both the Islanders and Tavares are still figuring things out.
LeBrun adds that the San Jose Sharks and Vegas Golden Knights would be teams he’d be keeping an eye on.
A sign-and-trade is still a possibility for Tavares and Carlson if the eighth year is really important to both players. Going eight years may help bring the AAV down. A team trading for either’s rights can only sign them for seven years, need a sign-and-trade for eight years.
Mike Chambers and Mark Kiszla of the Denver Post: On if the Colorado Avalanche could be a possibility for John Tavares or if it’s just a pipe dream.
Chambers: Believe the Avs would make a solid pitch to Tavares if given the opportunity and that he would consider it. The Avs may not be a Stanley Cup contender just yet, but they have an excellent plan in place.
Kiszla: There will be lots of teams interested in Tavares. He’ll get $9 million a year. Nathan MacKinnon would love to have Tavares on his team.
Chambers: Tavares could get $10 million or more. The money wouldn’t be a big stumbling block for the Avs. They might have to buy out some like Carl Soderberg ($4.75 million) or Colin Wilson ($3.9 million).
ssked GM Joe Sakic on Monday if he would get involved with the John Tavares sweepstakes – Sakic didn’t directly answer but didn’t say no.