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Exploring a Rangers Trade for Each of Toronto’s Core Four

By Conor Power

MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 26: Head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sheldon Keefe, handles bench duties during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on March 26, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - MARCH 26: Head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sheldon Keefe, handles bench duties during the third period against the Montreal Canadiens at Centre Bell on March 26, 2022 in Montreal, Canada. The Montreal Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-2. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 19: John Tavares #91 of the Toronto Maple Leafs skates against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on January 19, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

John Tavares

This is by far the least likely of the four to get moved due to the size of that contract, his age, and the fact that he has trade protection, but I also think this would be the funniest one for the Rangers to pick up. Many of you will remember the name John Tavares from his time with the New York Islanders. He used to captain the fisherman. If the former Isles captain found his way to the Rangers roster, the fun we could all have with it would be immeasurable.

So the issues with Tavares are clear from the outset. He makes $11 million a year for the next two years. Given the Rangers’ cap situation, any move made would have to be $11 million in for $11 million out. That’s not going to happen. In addition, the Toronto Maple Leafs captain has a no-movement clause. Considering he left more money on the table to sign with his childhood team, it is likely he shoots down any deal to move him out of town.

At the age of 32, he’s not exactly a spring chicken anymore, but he’s carrying an $11 million cap hit until he’s 34. His production has been inconsistent. Tavares tallied 36 goals and 80 points this past season but only 27 goals the year before. As time goes on, the chances of his offense regressing are high, and making the move for the Mississauga, Ontario native just doesn’t seem like it is worth it right now.

I know that both Tavares and Trocheck have no movement clauses, but that destroys any fun I can have so let’s say for the sake of argument both players agree to waive. Toronto gets to save money against the cap. They get a 1st and they get a good defensive winger that can slot into their lineup in a few years. They are also freed from the havoc of their current situation and can slap the captaincy on Matthews.

For Toronto, they get a game-breaker to join Zibanejad, Panarin, Kreider, Fox, and Shesterkin. Tavares scored the goal that ended Toronto’s 19-year struggle to get out of round one. Perhaps by returning to the city that drafted him, he can finally help a team capture the Stanley Cup once again. He dreamed of winning the cup with an original six-team. While it may not have been this one, he will not care if he gets that ring.

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