In my completely unbiased opinion, I think you woulve been much better off

I disagree because there is no knowing that they would've signed Petro and Tavares is still an elite 1C. obviously if both Petro and Tavares were FA the same year, leafs would've targeted Petro, but they acquired an elite forward without giving up any assets.

Of course there's no guarantee they sign Petro (especially since it's been 2 years since signing Tavares).
I thought the move was unnecessary since it happened especially since Kadri was/is making so much less and still put up 30 goals on the 2nd line, Pker, and brought some grit to a now virtually all skill lineup. Just think the leafs could've saved the $9.25M (6.5 extra for Tavares then an extra 2.75 for Barrie) and used it for an elite RHD or sign multiple players to fill out the backend/roster more. Having so much big money tied up in so few guys isnt a recipe for success especially for a team that hasnt made it out of the 1st round

when an opportunity presents itself to sign an impact player like Tavares, I think you have to take it as a GM. I think the biggest issue has been the resigning of other contracts, (specifically marner), who got overpaid deals, and I think Nylander should still be moved for an impact RHD. they would be trading from a position of strength for a position of weakness

I think the John Tavares contract hindered them for multiple reasons.

1. They had had a 1C in Matthews and a 2C in Kadri who had a few years left on his deal at 4.75 million and could score 30 goals with some grit

2. They needed (and still need) a top pairing right handed defenseman

3. They had cap troubles as early as 2019

4. They haven't really improved as a team, Leafs had 1st round exits then and they still do or worse

5. They could potentially lose Andersen or Reilly due their cap troubles

6. Leaf were offense production relative to the rest of the league stayed the same (Top 5) but the goaltending/defense has gotten much worse (Middle of the road to bottom 5)

7. Leafs could potentially add a defenseman without worrying too much about the contract.

8. In order to fix their cap troubles the would have to trade either trade some forward depth (Kapanen, Kerfoot) , trade Marner or Nylander, trade a defenseman, or worse trade Andersen

Worst move in Toronto Maple Leafs history

How much free time do you have