First, it's not bypassing anyone. My position is Tavares isn't even considering us as an option, but okay let's play make believe that he's interested in coming here.
My position has nothing to do with the specific second tier of players we currently have (Rielly, Gardiner, Kadri, Andersen, etc), it's the fact that we don't have an elite D as part of our core like Chicago did/does. Tavares at his advanced age will duplicate a strength we already have and do so for at minimum 14% of our cap. When you look at where the Hawks were whilst winning Cups, they had roughly 50% of their cap on 5 key players; 1 C, 2W, and 2D. The Leafs with Tavares would use roughly 50% on four forwards and 0 D. I don't think that's an effective use of your cap especially when the biggest ticket of the four will be initially signed in the years many studies suggest he will begin to decline. If we have three stud D that are primed to break through after Tavares signs, then I think your plan is solid. I pay pretty close attention to our system, we have no such thing. So we're going to have to work with the guys we have if we're going to win. With Tavares, we can't keep those guys.
Why wouldnt he consider us? We would be on the rise and he would be looking to join a playoff team and we are his childhood team. Leafs got a meeting with Stamkos when we were the 30th place team. I dont see why Tavares wouldnt do the same when we should be infinitely better. I said time and time again that Tavares to the Leafs is a pipedream but if he is available, wants to come to the Leafs and all it takes is money (7 years 10M per - barring no crappy 2017-18 season from him) then i would sign him no problem. Still a lot of ifs but if he wants to come here then the Leafs should try to make it happen.
If the Leafs had any likelihood of adding a #1 defensemen by using cap space then it makes sense to save it but there isnt likely anyone to hit the market for that to happen and if it does that player is going to have to pick you. Its like refusing to buy a house because you think your dream house might be available down the line. Take the talent that is in front of you and deal with the rest as it comes especially if it is for an elite centre.
Leafs can add impact defensemen 4 ways;
1. Free agency (Not happening unless its someone from the KHL)
2. Waivers (Not happening)
3. Trade (Likely as we have the assets to trade in MNM for a D)
4. Draft (Very unlikely but it is ongoing because we are always drafting)
Trade is the most likely solution, followed by draft then by free agency. There might be a situation where for the next 15-20 years we may not get a number #1 defensemen (highly likely). When was the last time we had a true number 1 defensmen? Borje Salming over 30 years ago? And you are going to save cap space waiting for that piepdream?
It doesnt make sense to keep cap space for something that may never come and if it does like i said you will have to trade for it meaning salary is going out or it is coming up your system very cheap.
You just never know with Defensemen. Keith was drafted in the 2nd round; had a fantastic year with the Rockets, had 2 mediocore years in the AHL (two sub 30 point seasons) and then was a solid guy for 3-4 years for Chicago. It wasnt until 2009-2010 he became a stud (age 25-26) and a Norris contender every year. Defense takes awhile to develop.
We dont and likely wont have a great defense the next 5 years but the next best thing is being above average at the next important positions - great centremen and good goaltending. I believe Andersen can be a difference maker for the length of his deal and i think Tavares gives you that much more depth and insulation at one of the hardest positions to fill - centre.
Likely scenario is we have to go the Anaheim route; 2 maybe three good vets (Lindholm and Fowler/Vatanen) and just keep adding via the draft and trades to build up your 3, 4, 5 and 6 spots with cheap talent. Manson, Montour, Theodore, Larsson, Welinski and Pettersson.
