This summer, Spencer Lazary and I will continue our series with more potential free agent targets that could be on the market on July 1st.
Today, we talk about long-time NHLer John Tavares.
Target: John Tavares – C – 34 Years Old – 16 Years Experience
The Toronto Maple Leafs' John Tavares should be a sought-after free agent this summer, should he choose not to sign with the Leafs. Many people expect him to stay in Toronto, but with Toronto beating Ottawa in the first round of the playoffs, the chances he leaves get smaller the further they advance.
Tavares left the New York Islanders in 2018 to join the Maple Leafs.
Stats
Tavares played in 75 games this past season. He scored 38 goals and totaled 74, including 12 on the power play. In his long career, Tavares has totaled 1,114 points in 1,184 games. He's also totaled 51 playoff points in 68 games.
Previous Salary
He signed a 7-year, $77,000,000 contract in 2018 that will be coming to an end on June 30, and will be able to test free agency should he choose to. Contract experts put his next deal and around $8 million per season for three years.
Realistic Chances Of A Signing
Personally, I think there's zero chance he signs in Columbus, but with Don Waddell at the helm, he will 100% check in on Tavares. He'll most likely stay in Toronto or go with another heavyweight contender, but that shouldn't stop the CBJ from doing their due diligence and at least talking to him.
Stay with us as we continue to look at all the possible unrestricted free agents that the Columbus Blue Jackets could target this summer.
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