The latest one in the line-up is a high-octane deal that would see the Leafs' captain swapped for a first-rate defenseman.
There's a buzz among fans that the Leafs should consider trading their Captain, John Tavares, to Los Angeles in a player-for-player deal with Drew Doughty.
Obviously nothing is set in stone yet, but this is certainly a proposal that deserves careful consideration. In the fifth year of his present contract, Doughty pockets $11 million per year. Counting the upcoming season, Doughty's agreement has four seasons remaining.
Meanwhile, Tavares is about to step into the 6th year of his ongoing contract, which also brings him the same amount of money annually as Doughty. His contract has two more years to run.
The game plan for Brad Treliving, GM of the Leafs, would be to attempt to convince the Kings to hold onto a portion of Doughty's cost. If Treliving can make this a reality, the Leafs might walk away with an attractive bargain. As Tavares' contract is set to expire soon, the Leafs could potentially gain a superior player for a longer term and a lesser cost.
It's not set in stone that L.A. would consent to this trade, but the signs are telling that they are currently pushing to improve as fast as possible. Given their surplus of NHL defensemen and the opportunity to bolster their front line with a powerhouse like Tavares, this could be a compelling proposal.
While this is certainly a deal that benefits both parties, it comes with a huge benefit for L.A. that is worth mentioning. The Kings would no longer have to pay Doughy's salary in full, as they would only ultimately only need to pay Tavares for 2, giving them more wiggle room in regards to financials, always a plus. It's a trade that warrants attention.
As Read on HockeyPatrol - Trade Proposal Emerges Sending Captain Tavares For a Number One Defenseman
POLL | ||
Would you like to see this trade come to fruition? | ||
Yes | 461 | 57 % |
No | 348 | 43 % |
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