On John Tavares …
John Shannon: John Tavares flew back to Toronto yesterday: “In no way does that mean a final decision had been made.”
John Shannon: Tavares and CAA had spent the previous day going through all the details and was described as “very interesting and educational “d
Pierre LeBrun: John Tavares could start letting teams know Friday morning that they are not being considered anymore. Can’t say when he’ll make a decision and pick his team. If it’s going to be the Islanders, they will know by no later than Saturday.
Erik Erlendsson: GM Steve Yzerman on John Tavares: “If he comes here then we will have to do some other things but there’s nothing really on hold” in making any other moves. Yzerman said they weren’t given any timeline on when Tavares could make a decision.
Joe Smith: Yzerman said that they’d have to make moves to clear space, but would be worth it: “We think he’s one of the best players in the league.”
Joe Smith: Yzerman added that his offseason work hasn’t been on hold and that he’s been busy with talks.
Arthur Staple of The Athletic: The Islanders could know as early as today if John Tavares is going to be re-signing with them or moving on. If he re-signs it could be for eight-years in the $92-$100 million range.
It’s believed that if Tavares doesn’t re-sign with the Islanders, the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs are the frontrunners.
The Maple Leafs could offer a one-year max deal and then go with an eight-year contract extension.
Dave McCarthy: Discussed with Rob Wong on Sportsnet 590 the idea of John Tavares signing a one-year max deal, who would then need to protect himself in case of a career-ending injury “… by purchasing insurance on projected future earnings. Just spoke to an NHL player agent who confirmed this can be done though may be subject to limitations on amount of insurance available from underwriters.”
Dave McCarthy: “In other words, dependant on how much insurers would be willing to cover. Could a policy be taken out for $69 mill ((7yr x $12m) – (1yr x $15m))? Or would insurers only be willing to cover say $50m or less or more? It’s case specific but is an available course of action.”