Insider Reveals Potential Plan B for Leafs Amid Difficult Negotiations with John Tavares
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As negotiations continue between John Tavares and the Maple Leafs, TSN's Chris Johnston revealed what the Leafs' potential Plan B is if Tavares chooses free agency.
Last week, The Fourth Period's David Pagnotta reported that the Leafs' initial offer to John Tavares was a 'low-ball' offer of 3 years at less than $4M per season.
Since that point in time, the two sides have continued to negotiate, but due to the complexities surrounding the extension, hammering out a deal is taking a lot longer than many expected.
Dallas Stars Forward Mikael Granlund May Be the Maple Leafs' Plan B?
On Tuesday, during a segment on TSN 1050's First Up, NHL Insider Chris Johnston was asked about negotiations and a potential backup plan if the Leafs and their former captain are unable to reach an agreement before July 1st.
"I don't think there is a plan B. Maybe they go and try and sign Mikael Granlund, for example, but I don't think anyone could view that as an improvement."
While losing Tavares and Mitch Marner would be a huge blow to the Leafs' forward group and Stanley Cup aspirations, both Johnston and later his colleague, Pierre LeBrun, noted that the Leafs and Tavares have not hit a wall and have held discussions daily.
Lebrun also noted on 'Insider Trading' that he sees a 4-year deal at $5M or more as where things will ultimately end up between the two sides.
As the draft takes place over the weekend, with free agency opening next Tuesday, the Leafs and Tavares are running out of time to put pen to paper on a new deal for the 34-year-old.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 25 | 4312 ANSWERS Insider Reveals Potential Plan B for Leafs Amid Difficult Negotiations with John Tavares Will John Tavares agree to a deal around LeBrun's suggested contract of 4x$5M+? | ||
| Yes | 3061 | 71 % |
| No | 1251 | 29 % |
| List of polls | ||
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