As much as I like Tavares in Toronto this presents multiple issues:

1. 2019 cap problem - check your numbers - add possibly $22 - 25 million to resign Matthews, Marner, Kapanen. How do you then afford the rest of the team?
2. That defense is still horrible!
3. Minor point - shouldn't have to pay so much to get Matt Martin off our hands. Would still hold some value to some GM's looking for grit.
4. Minor point - McElhinney could probably fetch more given his strong season and the number of teams looking for a good backup. Could also make him part of a larger package to teams like NYI or CAR
5. Minor point - Dominic Moore? Lots of better options...

1. The Cap Space can be created. A trading of Marleau, Brown etc. Hainsey/Gardiner/Carrick/Leivo will all be off the books next year coupled with the fact the Cap will reach 82-83 million for 2019/20, The Leafs will find the Cap needed. I realize those players will need to be replaced but they will find the Cap needed. Also I'll add that I doubt the Cap for JT in Toronto, should he sign there, be 12 million per... more like 10/10.5 and deals with Underarmour/Canadian tire and others are believed to be offered pending he sign in Toronto. They did the same in the Stamkos offer and those rumors have been circulating the past couple days.
2. I agree the D isn't great but it seems there is some hope that Zaitsev will bounce back and rumors that Gardiner is being dealt, he could fetch a good return maybe included as part of a package to bring in a Dman.
3. I agree with you that Martin holds more value and I have to think he is part of the pitch for JT as he and JT and their wags are friends.
4. I agree McElhinney could fetch a bit more but he is 35 entering the final year of his contract and has reached his ceiling... maybe a 4th rounder.
5. I agree 100%. Bring in one of Letestu/Beagle/Ryan/Grant/Gibbons on a 1 year deal the Leafs can make them an offer most teams can't for 1 year