Confirmed with Link: Tavares to Toronto (7 years, $11M AAV)

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

What's that leave?
AJ - Kadri - Brown
Lenovo - XXXX - Kap
Grundstrom

Am I missing anyone ?

Lindholm, Gauthier, or Jooris I believe

 

[Gallagbi]

Lindholm, Gauthier, or Jooris I believe

Guess those would be the candidates for that last C spot. Not exactly a stellar crop, but oh well.

 

[Rob Brown]

Ugh. This is so amazing. I can't get over it.

 

[Leafsdude7]

Main boards seem to think AM gets more than JT, can’t see any world where that happens

If he gets max 8 years, it's probably not as absurd. Marner and Nylander probably also cash in big if they go long term.

There's already rumbling that Nylander could take a reduced salary on a bridge contract for 3 or 4 years. Maybe the same happens for Marner and/or Matthews if they see this as a case where doing so gives them a better window for winning and for getting higher contracts with increasing cap ceilings down the road. I still think it'll be a hard sell if they're worried about the unforeseeable (injuries, etc), but it's something to hope for at least.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

Guess those would be the candidates for that last C spot. Not exactly a stellar crop, but oh well.

yeah we could still make a move for one, but I honestly don't even care if we do. 4th liners got way overpaid this free agency it seems

 

[Leafsdude7]

Guess those would be the candidates for that last C spot. Not exactly a stellar crop, but oh well.

They'll play 10 minutes a game max, plus maybe some PK time. If the top-9 can't match and overcome whatever happens during those 10 minutes, it's on them, not our potentially shitty 4th line.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Ugh. This is so amazing. I can't get over it.

I can't remember ever grinning like an idiot so much in one day. As soon as it was announced, I put on my Leafs T shirt and went to Costco, first thing I hear is the cashiers talking about Tavares. This season is going to be AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[member 300185]

Islanders fans are easily worse fans than the Leafs. People complain about the Leaf fan base, go to the Islanders boards and tell me I am wrong. The hate, wishing death, and other nasty things on Tavares.

Tavares did lots of charity work on the Isle. He helped many things there over 9 years and they dont even care about the good stuff he did.

Nasty.

 

[The Masters]

I did call Babcock overrated earlier, but he does have the power to inspire people.

he's worth every penny
i think he's done an outstanding job in the 2 years (first yr doesnt count / wash)

 

[Gary Nylund]

yeah we could still make a move for one, but I honestly don't even care if we do. 4th liners got way overpaid this free agency it seems

I'll be we could go with 3 centres this year for the most part, the big 3 each get 20 minutes and voila, problem solved. They'll get someone for the spot but I see no need for whoever it is to play more than 5-6 minutes per game.

 

[Gallagbi]

They'll play 10 minutes a game max, plus maybe some PK time. If the top-9 can't match and overcome whatever happens during those 10 minutes, it's on them, not our potentially ****ty 4th line.

The PK is my main concern, hopefully they give Kadri some of those minutes this year.

 

[Drytoast]

Maple Leafs President Brendan Shanahan and General Manager Kyle Dubas introduce John Tavares as the newest member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.



John Tavares addresses the media after officially signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Sweet thanks!

 

[Rob Brown]

I can't remember ever grinning like an idiot so much in one day. As soon as it was announced, I put on my Leafs T shirt and went to Costco, first thing I hear is the cashiers talking about Tavares. This season is going to be AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was sitting in my car up north at my cottage charging my phone cause power was out. Got a bunch of calls and messages from friends and even coworkers who aren't Leafs fans. I'm so happy. I'm beyond excited. I was already planning several away trips this season (Vegas/Colorado/Arizona swing included) - literally booking it all tomorrow. Dont care.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Islanders fans are easily worse fans than the Leafs. People complain about the Leaf fan base, go to the Islanders boards and tell me I am wrong. The hate, wishing death, and other nasty things on Tavares.

Tavares did lots of charity work on the Isle. He helped many things there over 9 years and they dont even care about the good stuff he did.

Nasty.

It's just sad to hear this, I don't even want to look at it. When Tavares was asked today about what his message was to NYI it was clear he was holding back tears. This decision was such a struggle for the guy and in the end, he decide to pursue a childhood dream. People crapping all over that is just disgusting.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

I'll be we could go with 3 centres this year for the most part, the big 3 each get 20 minutes and voila, problem solved. They'll get someone for the spot but I see no need for whoever it is to play more than 5-6 minutes per game.

the only problem is PKing. I wouldn't mind if we had a 4C who could kill penalties. Maybe Gauthier could do it?

 

[Cor]

Islanders fans are easily worse fans than the Leafs. People complain about the Leaf fan base, go to the Islanders boards and tell me I am wrong. The hate, wishing death, and other nasty things on Tavares.

Tavares did lots of charity work on the Isle. He helped many things there over 9 years and they dont even care about the good stuff he did.

Nasty.

You’re in their bird antagonizing them.

You’re just as wrong as they are.

Stop posting there, and making everyone else look bad.

Post what you want on the Main Boards, don’t go into their Team Board. That’s idiotic

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

It's just sad to hear this, I don't even want to look at it. When Tavares was asked today about what his message was to NYI it was clear he was holding back tears. This decision was such a struggle for the guy and in the end, he decide to pursue a childhood dream. People crapping all over that is just disgusting.

yeah I have to agree. they don't have to be happy with it, but it clearly wasn't an easy decision for him. it's not easy when you know whichever option you choose you'll be letting down tens of thousands of people you want to make happy, as well as friends and family being in the mix.

 

[Leafsdude7]

The PK is my main concern, hopefully they give Kadri some of those minutes this year.

Tavares did some PKing in the Island, apparently, and it might be time to get Matthews on there as well. Figure Gauthier might have a leg up on the 4th line centre spot for his PK talents, too. Marleau's also a dark horse as a guy who can take draws and has the size and speed to be a potentially effective PKer.

I'm not too worried, basically. Probably the biggest hole after the top-4 defensemen on the team, but it's still not a major one.

 

[member 300185]

You’re in their bird antagonizing them.

You’re just as wrong as they are.

Stop posting there, and making everyone else look bad.

Post what you want on the Main Boards, don’t go into their Team Board. That’s idiotic

I didnt go there to stir stuff up. I was defending this fan base and did it without gloating. But hey, they are the ones in the wrong here.

 

[ObscureAlien]

 

[bentharbs]

I was driving to the beach refreshing twitter and HF every second. I made the girlfriend drive. Then it happened....

I am literally still drooling at the fact I am going to get to see JT and Mitch play together for 82 this year...

Guys, we are so lucky and this will go down as one of the greatest days in Leafs history.

 

[Strangle]

I didnt go there to stir stuff up. I was defending this fan base and did it without gloating. But hey, they are the ones in the wrong here.

I went over there and was surprised to see a leaf fan posting. Probably not a smart idea. Let them grieve the wound is fresh, leave them alone

 

[Sonny21]

What the hell is this? Saved it. That piece of garbage should definitely be banned. He is unhinged.

It was pathetic. This went beyond trolling, nobody would of blamed them for telling him to get lost and what not.

Seems they started to delete things, glad I took those screen caps right away.

 

[The Masters]

I have joined the Los Angeles Lakers. Just wanted to share that with you great Leaf Fans.

Gonna grab a beer with Tavares now. We had a busy day.

 

[nystromshairstylist]

Islanders fans are easily worse fans than the Leafs. People complain about the Leaf fan base, go to the Islanders boards and tell me I am wrong. The hate, wishing death, and other nasty things on Tavares. Tavares did lots of charity work on the Isle. He helped many things there over 9 years and they dont even care about the good stuff he did. Nasty.

Understand that as a group we feel that bettman and the league has helped to screw the team over royally multiple times, so there is enormous long-term bitterness. Add to that Tavares' telling Snow not to trade him in February and giving the impression he wanted to remain with the Isles will destroy any capital he built with the fan base.

That said, TML have also not won much in a long time, so I do not begrudge them or their fanbase for adding a quality player, but that being said he was one of the primary reasons the NYI gave up 300 goals against this year.

He is very slow in open ice and is awful defensively; one of the reasons we hated capuano/weight was their decision to put JT out on the penalty kill, just lunacy - you guys need to have really fast, capable d-men to cover for him.

Who knows, this might work out in the long run for both franchises, as it will allow cap space to sign better d-men and a goalie for the NYI who need both more than a center.