I doubt he takes that low. Probabky wants 5M or so
I would consider below 3M, as long as we dont gift him PP1 time. Our 2C brought in slots ahead of tavares overall on pecking order and he can be a 3C who gives 40-50 pts with easier usage at 3ishM
Personally, I think he values staying in a place where his kids can grow up around both sets of grandparents, and his wife can continue her job in the medical field. He will have made over $100 mil, so I doubt that the extra couple of mil will matter that much at this point.
If it were me negotiating, I'd ask him what he needs to stay, and hope he actually low balls himself pretty significantly, for the chance to stay, and a better chance to spend cap elsewhere and actually win something. If it's over $3 mil, just say, sorry, we can't do that, and move on... then he can decide if he wants to lower his ask, or move on, and I'm fine with either.
Ive been against re-signing Tavares at any cost but if he would sign for 3 or less with no nmc and he is placed on the 3rd line and 2nd pp unit I could maybe get on board with that. He does still offer some value if used properly. Under Keefe I dont think he would use him right but lets see what Berube does with him. However if he falls off a cliff this year which is a possibility then he can leave.
He signs at less than $3mil, to stay near the grandparents, and his wife's job... there will still be a NMC. He signs for less, to have security of raising his family here.