I think that’s exactly the course of action L&M chose since last year, keep JT happy. The Clutterbuck resigning, keeping Weight as coach, keeping Snow as GM after last year, the Bailey signing, were all done with an eye towards getting Tavares to resign. If this was the plan all along I think they put Tavares ahead of the team and that’s wrong.
That makes no sense. Tavares, by all reports, was close to Parenteau, Moulson, Okposo, Nielsen, Martin -- let's not pretend the mistake on the Clutterbuck deal was to appease Tavares. Putting Tavares ahead of the team is also pure speculation. I'd argue Tavares put the team ahead of himself by taking so little on his second contract, giving up UFA years, probably hoping to win some games. Loser!
Based on reading Tavares comments over tbe last 8 seasons and comments from credible sources over those yrs who have spoken about Tavares, I do think wants to be top dog,the Crosby on his team and not the Malkin.
I do not think he wants to be Matthews sidekick and does not have to with the number of teams and offers he will get in 7-8 weeks.
There are several very good teams like St.Louis, SJ, Columbus that could offer a talented team, strong front office and where he would be top dog. Those are tbe franchises I worry about.
I don't buy that either. It takes a lot of talent to be a top team and thinking there could/should be an undisputed "top dog" is also naïve. Look at all the cup winners in the last 10 years - Crosby/Malkin, Fleury/Murray, Toews/Kane/Crawford, Kopitar/Doughty/Quick
Top dog? who really gives a crap. Does anyone care if you always lose and miss the playoffs? Most here will have to google to find out who Marcel Dionne is, or Dale Hawerchuk, superstars who never won anything, on obscure teams.
Tavares is 27, he has a chance at some hardware if he walks away. He'd be stupid to think being "top dog" matters more than winning.
In fact, I'd say he'd be motivated to show he's as good as Matthews.
And although Auston is a superstar already, don't think he wouldn't benefit by having a guy like Tavares around the next 6-7 years. Shanahan ain't stupid and he's shown the NHL he can get his man, if he wants (see: Lou, Babcock, Hunter, etc.)