NHL's top free agent predicted to sign with surprising Avalanche rival this offseason
Photo credit: Brace Hemmelgarn / Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs are posed for a significant shake-up offseason.
With a number of core players hitting free agency , the team's roster could undergo a major transformation before the puck drops next season.
John Tavares predicted to sign with surprising Avalanche rival this offseason.
Matt Levine from Athlon Sports writes that star forward Mitch Marner is widely expected to depart this offseason, leaving a major void in Toronto's offensive output. On top of that, longtime center and team captain John Tavares is also set to hit free agency, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the Maple Leafs' core.
"Many are expecting Tavares to return to the Maple Leafs, but anytime a player hits free agency, anything can happen. Despite having a down season, there will surely be other teams looking to bring Tavares into the picture." -Levine
One potential suitor could be the Minnesota Wild, a team looking to rebound after yet another early playoff exit. According to NHL insider Joe Smith of The Athletic, the Wild have been linked to the Maple Leafs' veteran, with Smith suggesting that Tavares could be an ideal target for Minnesota to pursue.
"The Wild's main need is up the middle, and now they're on Plan B after target Nelson re-signed with the Avalanche. Tavares' priority has been to stay in Toronto, but if he gets to market, he'd give Minnesota the experienced, two-way center who could take some pressure off Joel Eriksson Ek. The Wild need to get Tavares, Duchene or Jonathan Toews to address the position, especially after missing out on Nelson." -Smith
Tavares may not be the elite force he once was, but he's still a capable contributor. Last season, he tallied 38 goals and 36 assists for the Maple Leafs, numbers that suggest he could provide a valuable offensive boost to a team like the Wild.
"But in the playoffs, it became apparent that Tavares couldn't keep up with other speedy players. Minnesota could be an interesting landing spot for the All-Star, and he could provide some quality experience to the team." -Levine
It's shaping up to be a very intriguing offseason for many NHL teams.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 16 | 25 ANSWERS NHL's top free agent predicted to sign with surprising Avalanche rival this offseason Do you think the Avalanche should clear up cap space this offseason to bring in a player like Tavares? | ||
| yes | 9 | 36 % |
| no | 16 | 64 % |
| List of polls | ||
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