The Toronto Maple Leafs took the next step from being playoff contender to Stanley Cup contender with the signing of free agent center John Tavares.
Tavares was the crown jewel of this summer’s free agency class in the NHL. After meeting with six teams last weekend. Tavares decided to spurn the only team he has ever known in the New York Islanders and sign with his home town Maple Leafs for 7 years and $77 million.
The signing sent shock waves throughout the hockey world both in reality and fantasy. Tavares decided to return home and embrace the challenge of helping his hometown Leafs snap a 51 year cup drought.
The Leafs are well positioned to make a run at Lord Stanley’s cup for years to come. Toronto is loaded offensively with Tavares, Auston Matthews, Zack Hyman, Mitch Marner, Nazem Kadri, William Nylander and Patrick Marleau. They have three lines that can legitimately score.
Defense and goaltending are still areas of concern for the Leafs but make no mistake about it, Toronto is a deeper team offensively and much tougher to match up against.
As far as Tavares fantasy value, I don’t expect it to change. He should put up similar numbers to what he put up in New York. In fact, I think his numbers will go up slightly. Tavares finished with 84 points this past season, two shy of his career high 86 points. I project him to total between 80 to 90 points next season.
Tavares’ consensus ADP last season was 14. On average, he was drafted 10th overall in yahoo and CBS Sportsline leagues and 11th in ESPN league. I expect his ADP to be about the same going into this season. He might experience a slight uptick.
Time will tell if Tavares made the right decision. He must help deliver a cup to Toronto. In the end, that will define his tenure as a Leaf.