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Maple Leafs are going all-in for John Tavares

By Matt Verderame

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 07: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders skates during warm-ups prior to an NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on April 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - APRIL 07: John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders skates during warm-ups prior to an NHL game against the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on April 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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If John Tavares hits the open market come July 1, the NHL will be ablaze with suitors. The Toronto Maple Leafs ought to be considered one of the biggest.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have not won a Stanley Cup since 1967. Despite making the postseason in each of the past two years, a championship still feels worlds away. That could change if their new general manager can out-maneuver their old one.

Kyle Dubas replaced Lou Lamoriello in the final week of May atop the maple Leafs’ power structure, with Lamoriello — already a Hall of Famer — taking over the New York Islanders. Now, while the Islanders are desperately trying to retain John Tavares on a max deal, Toronto is waiting in the wings.

According to a report by TSN, the Maple Leafs are already putting together a big to land Tavares, who could add to an already devastating offensive attack centered around Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. Toronto is slated to lose James van Riemsdyk this summer to free agency, but the sting would quickly be forgotten if Dubas can add the 27-year-old.

In the TSN report, the Maple Leafs are believed to be making a video that includes talking parts from some of the current members. It is all reminiscent of when LeBron James hit free agency for the first time before landing with the Miami Heat. While Tavares isn’t that level of player, he’s a future Hall of Famer who would be the best free agent in NHL history.

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In nine seasons with the Islanders, Tavares has racked up 621 points in 669 games including 84 points this past season. He has only made the All Star team once in his career but has recorded at least 65 points in every year of his career save his rookie season and the strike-shortened campaign of 2012-13.

Toronto really needs to focus on its defensive ranks, but adding a player the caliber of Tavares would be too good to pass up. If the Maple Leafs can lure him to the Mecca of hockey, the fans clad in blue and white would be ecstatic.

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