The John Tavares Calculator
The TSN.ca staff compiled this to illustrate how many dollars it may take to sign Tavares. Please understand that locations have some advantages and disadvantages.
Toronto pays more in taxes but has endorsements and U.S. dollars last longer in Canada.
Dallas and Tampa Bay have income tax advantages. For example, $10,000,000 entered over a seven-year contract shows Dallas and Tampa Bay at over $44 million.
The Islanders even at eight seasons give Tavares a net of just under $40 million.
Handicapping The Tavares Derby
Greg Wyshynski of ESPN: Anyone who is anyone wants to know who has the best chance of signing John Tavares. The clubhouse leader appears to be the New York Islanders at 2-1. That agrees with most everyone.
However, some have this closer than others. San Jose comes in at 3-1 even with a tax disadvantage.
Some interesting longer shots include Tampa at 7-1 and Toronto at 10-1. After that, the odds likely become too high. One never knows though.
Dallas and Nashville possess a slight shot and maybe Vegas swoops in.
Does a team like Toronto try a one-year max deal then go eight years afterwards? Others may try this too. Vegas would be in a position to do so.
What if Tavares bids adieu to Brooklyn?
Arthur Staple of The Athletic: Staple discusses how the Islanders have nearly $33 million of cap space and only 13 players signed. Lou Lamoriello and Barry Trotz overhauling the team to their liking would be gradual.
Ryan O’Reilly presents one possible center option along with Paul Stastny and even Tyler Bozak.
Prospects abound by the plenty for New York as well. Lou dangling those for a better goalie, defenseman, or top six forward would not surprise anyone.
This unnerving time over the next few days is much like what Tampa went through with Steven Stamkos. The sky will not fall if Tavares leaves. On the other hand, it creates a lot of work and a rebuild.
San Jose and Boston make pitches
Andrew Gross of Newsday notes that San Jose presents an ideal situation for Tavares. The lights shining on him will not be an issue in San Jose — unlike Toronto. San Jose goes all-in on winning as they even have Joe Thornton on board to accept less to make a signing occur.
Boston possesses a better track record and made their pitch on Tuesday as well. Both teams can offer more than a lifetime supply of bagels. They may offer a better chance of winning the Stanley Cup.