Tavares would waive, if he`ll get extension right away, something in 3x7m from Buffalo. "i`ll waive, but I need extension first"

He might not, but that's a good point. I think he might opt for a lower cap hit to get more term either 5.5-6Mx4 or 5Mx5, taking him up to 38 or 39. Not sure if Buffalo would want him for that long though. 3-years seems a bit short considering that he won't want to change teams again most likely.

This allows him to reset before UFA without really having to uproot his life (buffalo proximity to Toronto). No idea if he'd want this but it's plausible

If he's headed for UFA no matter what, then I think he would just exercise his trade protection and stay in Toronto for the year. He might also have hope that a good run would result in an extension in Toronto.

It definitely isn't farfetched to think he would waive for Buffalo. I'm sure his uncle would be a large factor in it, but seeing how the city has treated him and the team is ready to compete, it would make sense.

Easy pass for Toronto. If the Leafs are retaining 3 million they are going to want more than that for a 65-70 point centerman

Then they can keep him.

That, or they get an appropriate offer from someone else

Good luck with that. And with Tavares' NMC

Thanks, to be fair with that no movement clause, there’s no way he’s waiving it for a team like Buffalo who isn’t guaranteed a playoff spot

It's almost as if you read none of the posts before starting this argument

I didn’t bring up the NMC though, you did

And made multiple posts about how I am unsure if he would waive for buffalo but listed reasons why he might

If he plans to hit the UFA, he`ll stay. I doubt he will waive for Buffalo and became journeymen for rest of his career, like Patrick Kane - last chance to find a place to finish his career.