Insider questions the Toronto Maple Leafs' plan for John Tavares' contract extension
Photo credit: NHLPA
Bryan Hayes, a well-known NHL insider, is raising questions about whether the Toronto Maple Leafs should immediately extend John Tavares' contract.
Bryan Hayes, a prominent NHL insider, is expressing doubts about the Toronto Maple Leafs' decision to pursue a contract extension with former captain John Tavares.
The issue at hand stems from the Leafs' recent decision to strip Tavares of the captaincy and assign it to Auston Matthews, a move that Hayes feels reflects deeper issues within the organization. The debate now centers around whether Tavares should remain with the Leafs beyond his current contract, which is set to expire next summer.
"Well, and even putting the value aside, this is what I find a bit confusing. There's this big debate over, alright, what should the number be? Before you even get to that, should he be here at all? Like, that's-again, the core four-this is where there's a divide in the fan base, and there always will be," Hayes said (via TSN).
The decision to change the captaincy has not only sparked conversations about team dynamics but also about Tavares' future with the Leafs. Many fans are divided on whether this move indicates a broader dissatisfaction with Tavares, and if so, what the best course of action should be.
Some supporters are pleased with the change and believe it's a necessary step towards revitalizing the team, while others feel Tavares deserved to retain his role. The split in opinion extends to whether the Leafs should offer Tavares a new contract or let him leave once his current deal expires.
Given Tavares' age-he is 34-and the fact that he is coming off a less productive season, some argue that it would be prudent for the Leafs to wait before committing to a new deal. Hayes echoes this sentiment, suggesting that the team should let the upcoming season unfold before making any decisions about an extension.
"The best thing for the Leafs to do is let the season play out and reassess accordingly. Effectively, if they choose to go ahead and sign him to an extension now, in the long run, it could prove to be a bad decision," Alberga writes.
Hayes and others believe that rushing into a contract extension could backfire if the team does not perform well.
With Tavares coming off a season where he scored 29 goals and totaled 65 points in 80 games, the Leafs might find it challenging to justify a long-term commitment without a clearer picture of the team's performance.
Source: HockeyDB
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John Tavares Stats}»
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17 AOUT | 86 ANSWERS Insider questions the Toronto Maple Leafs' plan for John Tavares' contract extension Will the Toronto Maple Leafs extend John Tavares' contract? | ||
| Yes | 44 | 51.2 % |
| No | 42 | 48.8 % |
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