Rumor mill: A four-year contract (at $5M per season) for Tavares in Toronto?

Seeing Tavares take such a pay cut would please fans in Toronto.

Because at 34, he’s not worth as much as he was when he signed his seven-year, $11 million-a-year contract.

But… it would also help the Leafs maintain a certain leadership structure. Tavares has already worn the C on his jersey, he’s a well-liked guy over there and he grew up a Leafs fan too.

We shouldn’t be surprised if he decides to sign a new contract in the Queen City.

About Jordan Kyrou…

Jordan Kyrou is an underrated player.

He doesn’t get talked about much because he plays in St. Louis… but still: he’s averaged 35 goals over the past three years, and he’s got the tools to help any National League club.

That said, the Blues seem ready to send him elsewhere because they think they’ve found a replacement… named Jimmy Snuggerud.

Frank Seravalli talked about it in an article(Daily Faceoff).

But for Kyrou, the Blues aren’t interested in getting picks or prospects.

In St. Louis, we have good players… and if the Blues do decide to trade Kyrou, it will be to pick up another player who can help right away.

The names of Noah Dobson and JJ Peterka have been linked to that of the Blues by Seravalli and, ultimately, it might make sense.

Especially in the case of Dobson, because the Blues are thin on the right side of defense and because the Islanders are looking to add some offensive punch to the lineup.

Kyrou vs Dobson, I don’t think it’s crazy…

The Lightning want to add a top-9 player

Tampa Bay is always looking for ways to improve.

And Julien BriseBois, who is one of the best GMs in the National League, is never afraid to move either.

That said, the Lightning’s plan right now is simple, according to David Pagnotta: the goal is to improve the top-9 by getting a guy who can play on the 2nd or 3rd line.

The Lightning were in the running for the services of Jonathan Toews… but it didn’t work out.

The veteran, who hasn’t played in quite a while, finally decided to come to terms with the Jets on the terms of a new contract.

Will BriseBois be able to find him a replacement to add some offense to his team?

At the same time, it’s not as if the Lightning’s top-9 was doing hard work…

Overtime

– Oh.

– Love this.

– Matthew Schaefer will be next.